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U.S. | 'I comfort death row inmates in their final moments - the execution room is like a house of horrors'

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Reverend Jeff Hood, 40, wants to help condemned inmates 'feel human again' and vows to continue his efforts to befriend murderers in spite of death threats against his family A reverend who has made it his mission to comfort death row inmates in their final days has revealed the '"moral torture" his endeavor entails. Reverend Dr. Jeff Hood, 40, lives with his wife and five children in Little Rock, Arkansas. But away from his normal home life, he can suddenly find himself holding the shoulder of a murderer inside an execution chamber, moments away from the end of their life. 

Community of Sant’Egidio USA appeals to stop all state sanctioned executions during the Holy Year of Mercy

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Pope Francis
Appeal letter by the Community of Sant’Egidio USA to stop all state sanctioned executions during the upcoming Year of Mercy

This year, Pope Francis announced the worldwide Holy Year of Mercy, due to commence on December 8th, 2015.

Following on from Pope Francis widely expanding actions for hope and healing, peace and justice during the Jubilee Year of Mercy, together with the Community of Sant’Egidio and many people of goodwill around the country and world, we appeal you to apply executive clemency in capital cases in the United States during the Year of Mercy.

Pope Francis calls on all citizens of the world to be merciful and strive to create a better society. The Holy Year of Mercy is a chance to start that journey, to bring a new hope and to emphasize the merciful side of humanity. 

In the spirit of Mercy, I want to sign this petition and join the Pope, the Catholic Church and the people of the Community of Sant’Egidio to appeal to States’ Governors to put a hold on executions during this Holy Year. 

I hereby sign in support of stopping all capital state executions during the Holy Year of Mercy.

To read the full letter to be send to State Governors, please click here.

To sign the online petition, please click HERE.

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