Atlanta, Ga., Jul 23, 2007 / 07:19 am
Pope Benedict XVI has requested that the death sentence for condemned cop killer Troy Anthony Davis be commuted.
The Apostolic Nunciature sent a letter to the governor of Georgia, Sonny Perdue, on behalf of Pope Benedict, asking that Davis be granted clemency, reported The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The letter arrived Monday.
"In the name of Pope Benedict XVI, I am respectfully asking you to commute Troy's sentence to life in prison without parole," wrote Msgr. Martin Krebs of the Apostolic Nunciature.
The letter says Davis' pending execution is "disturbing" since many witnesses have come forward to say their testimony implicating him was false.
Davis’ death sentence for the 1989 murder of a Savannah police officer was put on hold this week, 24 hours before it was scheduled.
The Pope’s plea joins those of singer/activist Harry Belafonte, Sr. Helen Prejean of "Dead Man Walking" fame, and Mike Farrell of "MASH."
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.
As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Click hereOur mission is the truth. Join us!
Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.
Donate to CNA