"A sign of hope is the increasing recognition that the dignity of human life must never be taken away, even in the case of someone who has done great evil."
Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2267
Statistics
Based on 2006 Poll
13%
Blacks are 13% of U.S. population yet 42% are death row inmates
90%
Over 90% on death row cannot afford their own attorney
56%
There were 43 U.S. executions in 2011 and a 56% decline since 1999
48%
Among Catholics, only 48% support the death penalty. Church goers and younger Catholics are less likely to support it.
"Faith is not a light which scatters all our darkness, but a lamp which guides our steps in the night and suffices for the journey"
-Pope Francis
California Statistics
13
Number of Executions Since 1976
709
Number of Executions before 1976
741
Current Death Row Population
(Texas: 254, Florida: 396)
16
Women on Death Row
As Catholics
We believe and put our hope in a merciful and loving God. We are conscience of our own brokenness and need for redemption. Our Lord calls us to imitate him more perfectly by witnessing to the inherent dignity of ever person.