Opposing Executions
As a faith-driven advocate, you have the power to stop state-sanctioned killing.
Advocates for Mercy
In the United States, where dozens of execution dates are scheduled each year, it’s crucial for Catholics to stand together as advocates against these threats to human life. Representing 22% of the U.S. population, Catholics hold significant moral influence capable of rousing public opposition to upcoming executions and even swaying legal outcomes in capital cases.
Simply put, Catholic pro-life witness has the potential to halt executions and save lives. That’s why we’re harnessing the power of Catholic advocacy to speak out against every impending execution in the United States.
You Can Be An Advocate
Every month, we’ll send you timely advocacy actions, keeping you informed about upcoming cases that need your urgent attention. Subscribers are invited to write letters directly to those in positions of power who are capable of halting upcoming executions.
It’s easy to make your voice heard with just a few clicks.
Sign up for execution alerts.
Don’t Wait: Help Stop an Execution Now
There are people scheduled for execution who need your advocacy. Take action now to stop these acts of state-sanctioned violence.
STOP the Execution of James Ernest Hitchcock
Please contact Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Board of Executive Clemency urging them to grant clemency to James Ernest Hitchcock, and stop his execution. Florida intends to execute James Ernest Hitchcock on April 30, 2026 for the 1976 murder of Cindy Driggers. We oppose this execution as we do every execution. Capital punishment is…STOP the Execution of James Broadnax
Please contact Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Board of Pardons and Parole urging them to grant clemency to James Broadnax, and stop his execution. Florida intends to execute James Broadnax on April 30, 2026 for the 2008 murders of Matthew Butler and Stephen Swan. We oppose this execution as we do every execution. Capital…STOP the Execution of Chadwick “Khalil” Willacy
Please contact Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Board of Executive Clemency urging them to grant clemency to Chadwick “Khalil” Willacy, and stop his execution. Florida intends to execute Chadwick “Khalil” Willacy on April 21, 2026 for the 1990 murder of Marlys Sather. We oppose this execution as we do every execution. Capital punishment is…STOP the Execution of James Duckett
BREAKING: James Duckett will not be executed on March 31. The Florida Supreme Court has denied the request to lift his stay, and it will remain in effect until Thursday, April 2. Please contact Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Board of Executive Clemency urging them to grant clemency to James Duckett, and stop his…
What is clemency?
When someone is granted clemency, their sentence is either reduced or they are granted a total pardon.
For many people on death row, the request for clemency is to reduce their sentence from the death penalty to life in prison without the chance of parole. Applying for clemency is often one of the last efforts someone facing execution can make to spare their life, even after all appeals have been exhausted.
How is clemency granted?
The procedures for granting clemency vary by state. Generally, an application for clemency will first go to a board of pardons and paroles. The board’s decision will then be referred to a governor.
Clemency is not frequently granted in capital cases. On the occasions that it is, it is typically because of mental illness, poor legal representation, or possibility of wrongful conviction.
Death Penalty News
Browse the latest news from CMN plus the national movement to end the death penalty.
Gov. Kay Ivey grants clemency to Charles “Sonny” Burton, a rare display of mercy.
Mr. Burton was sentenced to death and scheduled to be executed on Thursday, March 12, 2026 for his involvement in the murder of Doug Battle. But on March 10, Governor Kay Ivey took merciful action,…Celebrating Catholic Sisters Week: A special interview with CMN’s Sr. Eileen Reilly, SSND
In honor of Catholic Sisters Week (March 8-14), we sat down with Sr. Eileen for a Q&A to talk about her journey and share a bit more about the impact of her work engaging with…CMN travels to California, urges Gov. Newsom to commute the state’s death row
Local, state, and national leaders continue to urge Governor Gavin Newsom to commute the sentences of all individuals on California’s death row before he leaves office. As this campaign progresses, there’s an ongoing need to…Death Penalty Quarterly | January 2026
2025 held both setbacks and progress in the movement to end the death penalty. CMN’s webinar hosted on January 21 — The State of the Death Penalty in 2026: Trends, Realities, Advocacy — was a chance to…
Help CMN end the death penalty
Join our community to educate, advocate, and pray for abolition.