Archbishop Opposes Participation in Nidal Hasan’s Execution

Archbishop Timothy Broglio, who oversees pastoral care for Catholics in the U.S. military, recently stated that fellow clergy members should not take part in the impending execution of Nidal Hasan, scheduled for December 3.

The announcement stirred controversy last week when Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth revealed that the Pentagon would livestream Hasan’s execution. Hasan was found guilty for the 2009 Fort Hood shooting that resulted in the deaths of 14 individuals, including 12 soldiers, a civilian, and an unborn child, with another 33 injured.

In his statement released on Monday, Broglio expressed that any Catholics involved in the execution would be acting against church teachings, especially regarding the livestream aspect.

“I extend my deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives in the Fort Hood attack. It was a tragic event that ignored the inherent dignity of human life. I had the somber responsibility of officiating at the funeral of Michael Grant Cahill, the only civilian victim of that incident,” Broglio remarked.

He further reiterated the Catholic Church’s stance against capital punishment. “The Catechism is explicit, and Pope Francis has made it even more pronounced. The dignity of the human person is central to this issue,” he added.

Pope Francis, during his leadership, has upheld the views of his predecessors, Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI, declaring the death penalty “inadmissible” because of current penal methods. He updated the Catechism to reflect these teachings, which have also been supported by Pope Leo XIII.

Broglio highlighted the potential for “moral injury” that could arise from livestreaming Hasan’s execution and urged military Catholics to step back from participating in the firing squad.

“I urge all individuals of goodwill to reconsider this decision and, at the very least, to shield young and impressionable audiences from the live broadcast of this execution,” he concluded. “Just as I would advise in the case of a procured abortion, I ask any Catholics assigned to the firing squad to seek an exemption from this action, as it goes against Church teaching.”

This statement follows recent comments from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, which articulated that livestreaming Hasan’s execution would “undermine the moral fabric of our nation and stain the conscience of its people.”