Bending the Arc

Krisanne Vaillancourt Murphy, the executive director of Catholic Mobilizing Network, met Pope Leo at the end of his June 17 public audience in St. Peter’s Square. Among other things, she thanked Pope Leo for his April 2026 video, honoring the 15th anniversary of its abolition of the death penalty in his home state of Illinois. In his address, Pope Leo stressed that “the dignity of the person is not lost even after very serious crimes are committed.” Like Pope Francis, Pope Leo continues to condemn capital punishment as inadmissible.

Read more about Ms. Vaillancourt Murphy and her visit in this America Magazine article.

Ms. Vaillancort Murphy recalls her desire to work for the abolition of the death penalty was sparked in 1995 when she saw the movie, “Dead Man Walking,” which was based on the ministry of Sister Helen Prejean, CSJ. She was moved by Sister Helen’s conviction and by the humanity of people she encountered on death row, their struggles, and by the realities of the family members impacted.

Actress Susan Sarandon portrayed Sister Helen in the movie and won an academy award for best actress for this role in 1996. Actor Sean Penn was also nominated for his role in the movie. This might be a movie you want to try to find again and watch! Of course, Sister Helen first wrote the book.

Learn more about Sr. Helen’s Ministry Against the Death Penalty at https://www.sisterhelen.org/

To learn more or get involved with Catholic Mobilizing Network, visit https://catholicsmobilizing.org/