US President Joe Biden has commuted the sentences of 37 prisoners on federal death row, changing their sentences to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. In making the decision, Biden reaffirmed his belief that “we must stop the use of the death penalty at the federal level.” Pope Francis, who recently spoke with Biden by phone, had urged prayers for those on death row in the United States, an appeal that was supported by US bishops and humanitarian groups.

Ahead of the conclusion of his term, Biden's act of clemency applies to 37 of the 40 prisoners on federal death row, ensuring they will serve life sentences instead of facing execution. In his statement, Biden emphasized, "Make no mistake: I condemn these murderers, grieve for the victims of their despicable acts, and ache for all the families who have suffered unimaginable and irreparable loss." He went on to say that, guided by his conscience and experience, he is convinced that the federal death penalty should end. "In good conscience, I cannot stand back and let a new administration resume executions that I halted," he said.

The decision, which cannot be overturned by his successor, counters former President Donald Trump’s stance to reinstate federal executions, a policy Biden reversed when he assumed office. However, Biden's commutation applies only to federal prisoners, excluding those convicted of terrorism or hate-driven mass murder, as well as those sentenced to death at the state level, over which he has no jurisdiction.

Religious leaders in the US have largely supported Biden's decision. Cardinal Wilton Gregory, Archbishop of Washington, D.C., praised the move, saying it was a significant step toward valuing human life, even in cases of those who caused great suffering. He referenced Pope Francis’s longstanding opposition to the death penalty, highlighting that it is “contrary to humanity’s social and ethical dignity” and unnecessary for society’s protection. Cardinal Gregory warned that the death penalty contributes to the erosion of respect for life.

Archbishop Timothy Broglio, President of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, also commended Biden’s decision, expressing his satisfaction that the president had responded to the appeals of Pope Francis and many others, recognizing that while criminals must be held accountable, their lives should not be taken.

Pope Francis has long advocated for the abolition of the death penalty. In his recent Message for the World Day of Peace 2025, he reiterated this stance. Earlier this month, during the Angelus on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the Pope called for prayers for those on death row in the United States, asking that their sentences be changed or commuted.

He followed up with a personal phone call to President Biden on December 19 to continue urging for clemency. The call for action was echoed by US bishops and Catholic organizations like the Catholic Mobilizing Network, along with other religious and humanitarian groups.