Church calls for mercy, end to capital punishment

KOCHI, Kerala (Indian Catholic News) — Kerala Catholic bishops urged believers to remember that prison ministry is not merely a slogan; rather, it is a Gospel mandate to turn our hearts toward brothers and sisters behind bars.

“Contrary to general perception, not all those incarcerated are hardened criminals,” the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC) said in a circular for Prison Ministry Sunday. Observed on the second Sunday of August as Prison Ministry Sunday, the appeal highlights the year’s theme: “Hear the cry, heal the wound, revive hope”.

“Among them are individuals who stumbled into error in a moment of weakness. There are those who have ended up in prison cells due to financial collapse. Furthermore, there are completely innocent, entirely helpless individuals thrown into prison as a result of orchestrated false accusations,” they said.

Inspired by Psalm 102:20, “To hear the groaning of the prisoners, to lose those appointed to death,” the message echoes the mission of Jesus, who came to proclaim “liberation to the captives” (Luke 4:18) and healing to the broken-hearted.

Ministry of listening and healing

Behind prison walls, locked gates, and iron bars are human beings whose cries often go unheard. Many live with guilt, painful memories, trauma, or mental illness.

“When Jesus says, ‘I was in prison and you came to visit me’ (Matthew 25:36), He identifies Himself with prisoners,” the letter noted. “When we hear the cry of prisoners, we hear the cry of Christ Himself”.

Liberation often begins through listening. Pope Francis has repeatedly reminded society that prisoners should never be reduced solely to their crimes, but must always be acknowledged as individuals loved by God and capable of renewal.

Every prisoner carries wounds, making the Church’s presence fundamentally a ministry of healing. Consecrated sisters, priests, volunteers, counsellors, and prison ministers continue this work through simple gestures: a willingness to listen, prayer, a visit, a letter, an encouraging word, or an act of kindness.

“Empathy is the capacity to enter into another person’s suffering,” the bishops wrote, noting that empathy enables volunteers to listen without prejudice, understand wounds, and promote reconciliation.

Global crisis and capital punishment

Perhaps the greatest tragedy occurring within prison walls is the loss of hope, which hinders rehabilitation. Reviving hope means assisting prisoners to reintegrate into society and supporting their families, ensuring children of prisoners are not made to suffer for faults that are not their own.

Citing data, the bishops pointed out that there are approximately 11.5 million prisoners worldwide, and more than 23 million children are suffering because their parents are in prison.

The letter strongly reiterated the Church’s opposition to the death penalty, noting that by the end of 2025, 113 countries had completely abolished it, while at least 25,508 people worldwide are awaiting execution.

“The Catholic Church upholds the sacred dignity of every human life,” the statement affirmed. “Consequently, the Church opposes the death penalty”. Citing the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2267), the text notes that capital punishment is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person, and the Church works with determination for its abolition worldwide.

“God never abandons the sinner. The possibility of repentance must not be denied to anyone,” the circular stated, referencing the biblical transformations of Saint Paul, the prodigal son, and the repentant thief.

The letter, signed by Bishop Sebastian Thekethecheril Vijayapuram, Bishop Jose Pulickal of Kanjirappally, and Bishop Thomas Eusebius of Parassala, the top three officials of the KCBC Commission for Justice, Peace and Development, concluded by urging parishes and religious communities to actively support prison ministry volunteers, including the Jesus Fraternity.

“Behind every prison number is a human face. Behind every judicial sentence is a story. Behind every prison wall is a heart longing to be heard, healed, and renewed,” the bishops said.

Full statement available: original Malayalam and AI‑generated English translation.

Facebook Excerpt: The Church invites all to hear the cry, heal the wound, and revive hope for millions of incarcerated individuals worldwide.

X Excerpt: The Church calls for mercy, healing, and hope for millions of incarcerated individuals on Prison Ministry Sunday.