On today's decision to halt the execution of Melissa Lucio

I join with the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops in expressing my gratitude to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals for intervening to spare the life of Melissa Lucio, a mother of 14 and a grandmother, who was scheduled for execution on April 27.  

Fifteen years ago, the Rio Grande Valley was shocked to hear of the death in Brownsville of Mariah, a two-year-old child. Until earlier today, Melissa Lucio, the mother of the child, and now a grandmother, has been on  death row, awaiting execution for the death of her child. There have been many circumstances that cast doubt on Melissa Lucio’s conviction for first degree murder. Information on this case and on mitigating circumstances surrounding it is readily available for those who want to know more about it. 

We are created in God’s image and as such we must commit to protecting every human being and caring for their soul. People of goodwill understand that an act of violence cannot be overcome with another act of violence. Our faith teaches us that our response must be rooted in justice and mercy. Together let us pray to bring an end to the death penalty so that we may develop a greater love and respect for the sacred dignity of human life.

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