Homilies

Homily on World Day Against the Death Penalty, by Fr. Brian McDermott, SJ

Homily on World Day Against the Death Penalty, by Fr. Brian McDermott, SJ

Sunday, October 13, 2024 / 28th Ordinary / Cycle BHoly Trinity Catholic Church, Washington, DCExtracts This past Thursday was the United Nations-sponsored World Day Against the Death Penalty. Pope Francis spoke out on that day: “The Death Penalty is always inadmissible, because it attacks the inviolability and dignity of the person. I appeal for its…

Tips for Preaching About the Death Penalty

Tips for Preaching About the Death Penalty

This resource is designed for bishops, priests, and deacons who wish to connect the Church’s teaching against the death penalty to Scripture in a homily. In this resource you will find: A selection of Scripture passages and liturgical feasts that lend themselves towards preaching about the death penalty, Core Church teachings on the death penalty…

[Video] Testimony from Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann on the Death Penalty

[Video] Testimony from Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann on the Death Penalty

This 7-minute video reflection by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, Kansas was recorded on the occasion of the federal government’s execution of Keith Dwayne Nelson on August 28, 2020. In this moving testimony, Archbishop Naumann shares about his own experience as the son of a murder victim and affirms the Church’s resounding call…

Homily on the Death Penalty, by Fr. William Kelley, S.J.

Homily on the Death Penalty, by Fr. William Kelley, S.J.

In this homily, Fr. William Kelley, S.J. provides an inspirational call to understand how we, as Catholics, can uphold the dignity of all human life, regardless of circumstance. Fr. Kelly was preaching this homily in light of the unexpected July 25, 2019 announcement from the Department of Justice that it would resume executions at the…

Pope Francis at Podium

Pope Francis’ 2018 Address to the International Commission Against the Death Penalty

Below is an excerpt from an address Pope Francis gave to the Delegation of the International Commission Against the Death Penalty on December 17, 2018. In his speech, the Holy Father amplifies the Church’s responsibility to stand up for all human life and work to end the death penalty. This text can support the preparation…