Catholic Leaders and Organisations Call to Protect Palestinian Life under Occupation

Catholic Leaders and Organisations Call to Protect Palestinian Life under Occupation In Response to Israel’s Death Penalty Expansion Bill

April 1st

We, Catholic leaders and organisations committed to justice, peace, and the dignity of every human person, express our grave concern and unequivocal moral objection to the recent legislation expanding the use of the death penalty, particularly its application in the context of prolonged occupation¹.

This measure cannot be viewed in isolation or only as a legal matter². It must be understood against the reality of the ongoing occupation of Palestinian territory and the persistent denial of the Palestinian people’s fundamental right to self-determination³. Any legal framework imposed in such a context carries profound moral and legal implications, especially when it concerns the irreversible taking of human life.

The  legislation represents a deeply troubling and historic shift. By introducing and normalising the death penalty within military courts operating in occupied territory, it institutionalises a system of state-sanctioned killing on discriminatory grounds. The fact that Israeli citizens are excluded from these provisions highlights the inequity and discrimination inherent in this law. In the context of ongoing allegations of genocide, if intent is proven, a law designed specifically to target specifically Palestinians could constitute an act of genocide, being a part of a wider pattern of genocidal conduct in violation of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide⁴.

We are particularly alarmed by provisions that limit judicial discretion, restrict access to legal counsel, and accelerate the implementation of executions. Within a military court system already widely criticised for its lack of safeguards, such measures risk facilitating grave miscarriages of justice. These courts have a high conviction rate of 96%⁵, often relying on confessions obtained under coercive conditions, intensify fears that innocent lives may be irreversibly lost.

For Palestinians living under occupation, this legislation introduces urgent and existential threats to life and security. It contributes to an environment of fear and vulnerability, where legal protections are weakened and the possibility of redress is severely curtailed. Rather than advancing justice, such measures risk entrenching cycles of violence and injustice. As of March 2026, there are approximately 9446 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons, many of whom are detained without trial or due process, who are now facing heightened risk under this bill⁶.

From the perspective of Catholic social teaching⁷, the use of the death penalty is inadmissible. It violates the dignity of the human person and undermines the moral responsibility of societies to protect life, even in the face of grave wrongdoing. This principle applies universally and without exception.

We therefore call for the urgent protection of Palestinian life and rights. This demands that all people and institutions act in solidarity, respecting due process, equal treatment under the law, and international human rights standards in occupied territories. The right to self-determination is sacred and must be upheld.

We call upon: 

• States with political, economic, or military relations with Israel to review and suspend forms of cooperation that contribute to violations of Palestinian rights and ensure that any future or ongoing agreements are strictly conditional upon respect for international law, the protection of Palestinian life, and the safeguarding of human dignity in the occupied Palestinian territory.

• European Union institutions and member states to suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement (EU-IAA) until Israel demonstrates full respect for Palestinian life, equal access to justice, and adherence to international humanitarian law in accordance with art.2 of such agreement.
• States and international partners to prioritise the protection of human rights organisations, civil society actors, and lawyers providing support to Palestinians, ensuring they can operate without intimidation, harassment, or obstruction.
• Diplomatic actors and international partners to coordinate pressure aimed at preventing executions and safeguarding legal protections for Palestinians under occupation, including the right to access independent legal representation.
• International institutions and states to support accountability mechanisms addressing violations arising from this legislation, ensuring that Palestinians can live in safety and dignity, free from discriminatory practices and threats to life.
• Catholic community to stand in solidarity with Palestinians under occupation, accompanying them in their struggle for life, dignity, and justice, and bearing witness against the expansion of the death penalty.

At this critical juncture, we reaffirm our commitment to nonviolence and justice. We stand in solidarity with those whose lives are placed at risk and call for renewed efforts towards a just and lasting peace grounded in human dignity.

Signatories:

Catholic Leaders

1. Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, Pax Christi International Co-president, Philippines
2. Sr. Teresia Wamuyu Wachira, Pax Christi International Co-president, Kenya
3. H.E. Michel Sabbah, former Pax Christi International President, Palestine
4. H.E. Bishop Marc Camille Michel Stenger, Troyes, Co-president Emeritus Pax Christi International, France
5. Emeritus Bishop Peter Cullinane – Diocese of Palmerston North, New Zealand; Co-Patron of Pax Christi Aotearoa New Zealand
6. Archbishop Paul Martin SM Archbishop of Wellington New Zealand, New Zealand
7. Bishop Stephen Lowe, President New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference, Bishop of Auckland, New Zealand
8. Most Reverend William Nolan, Archbishop of Glasgow, Scotland
9. Right Reverend Brian McGee, Bishop of Argyll and the Isles, Scotland
10. Right Reverend James Curry , UK – England
11. Br. Jacek Orzechowski O.F.M., USA
12. Fr. Adolfo R. Mercado, ofm, USA
13. Fr. Caille Michel, Franciscan chaplain for Pax Christi, France
14. Fr. Errol Vivek Dominik Fernandes SJ, Chaplain, Shrine of the Infant Jesus, Nashik Road, Society of Jesus, India
15. Fr. Frazer Mascarenhas S.J., Social Justice and Ecology Commission, Bombay Jesuits, India
16. Fr. Gianparide Nappi , GPIC Animator, Salerno-Lucania Province, OFM Italy
17. Fr. Iacopo Iadarola, O.C.D., Theologian & Discalced Carmelite, Italy
18. Fr. Ivan Montelongo, Diocese of El Paso, USA
19. Fr. John Heagle, Chair, Priests Against Genocide, USA
20. Fr. Kevin Mullen, O.F.M., Guardian, Siena University Friary, USA
21. Fr. Magloire Nkounga Tagne, Parish Saint Eustachio Martire , Italy
22. Fr. Oscar M. Granados del Valle, Director and Coordinator of the National Commission for Catholic Prison Pastoral Care of Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico
23. Fr. Paul Lansu, Pax Christi Internatial + Parish priest in Antwerp, Belgium
24. Fr. PM Tony, Director Jesuit Social Centre, India
25. Fr. Santhanam Arockiasamy, S.J., Advocate, Legal Action and Advocacy Services (LAAS), Madurai, India
26. Rev. Daniele Battaglion, Parish Priest, Pieve Emanuele, Archdiocese of Milan, Italy
27. Rev. Dr. John Kennedy, Priest, SJ Education Coordinator, Society of Jesus, India
28. Rev. Duane Pribula, Catholic priest (semi-retired, active), St. Joseph Catholic Church, USA
29. Rev. Lawrence Bernard, Chaplain to the Poor Clare Monastery of Our Lady of Guadalupe, USA
30. Rev. Pietro Rossini, Missionary Priest, Xaverian Missionaries, Italy
31. Rev. Philippe de Kergorlay, Chelles Parish Priest, France
32. Rev. Stephen Josoma, Saint Susanna Parish- Dedham, MA, USA
33. Roberto Jaramillo, S.J. Director of the Social Justice and Ecology Secretariat, Italy
34. Sr. Anne Christine, Principal, Carmel Girls’ Central College, Sri Lanka
35. Sr. Barbara Battista, S.P., Justice Promoter, Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, USA
36. Sr. Carol De Angelo, S.C., Director, Office of Peace, Justice and Integrity of Creation, Sisters of Charity of New York, USA
37. Sr. Estela Gomez, Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Leadership Team, Latin America & Caribbean Mercy Network, Argentina
38. Sr. Leonilla Menezes, Principal, St. Ann’s College of Education, Mangalore, India
39. Sr. Linda Donovan MM, Coordinator Maryknoll Sisters Ecuador – Peru – Chile, Chile
40. Sr. Maria Aradhana A.C, Secretary General Apostolic Carmel Generalate, India
41. Sr. Maria Nirmalini, A.C., Superior General, Congregation of the Apostolic Carmel, Former President, Conference of Religious India, India
42. Sr. Maria Diksha, A.C., Provincial Superior, India
43. Sr Maria Rashmi, College Principal, Patna Women’s College, India
44. Sr. Maureen Hanahoe, M.M., Maryknoll Sister, USA
45. Sr. Jennifer D’Silva A.C., Religious Sister, India
46. Sr. Josephine Dubiel, Congregational Leader, Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart, Australia
47. Sr Katrina Alton, National Chaplain to Pax Christi England & Wales, England and Wales
48. Sr Patricia L. Ryan, Maryknoll Sister, Director Human Rights and Environment (DHUMA), Peru
49. Sr. Nichola Emmanuel, Sisters of charity, Sri Lanka
50. Sr. Susan Wanja Muthoni, Second Councillor of the East Africa Region, Apostolic Carmel Sisters, Kenya
51. Arsène Brice Bado, Deputy Director Institute of Dignity and Human Rights at the Research and Action Center for Peace (CERAP), Ivory Coast
52. Amalia Fumagalli, President, ACLI Circle of Novate Milanese, Italy
53. Andrea Calloni, Director Coordinator of Catholic Action for Children Zone II, Italy
54. Cornily Karine and Mazoyer Denis, Co-presidents of Catholic Workers’ Action, France
55. Dr. Dominiek Lootens, Director, Centre for Dialogue, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
56. Nicola Colasuonno, Rector of the Shrine of Saint Guido Conforti, Parma, Italy

Catholic Organisations

1. Pax Christi International, International
2. Arab Educational Institute – Pax Christi Bethlehem, Palestine
3. Caritas Ambrosiana, Italy
4. Caritas Internationalis, Vatican City
5. Caritas Maroc, Morocco
6. Caritas Middle East and North Africa, MENA region
7. Catholic Action for Children, France
8. Catholic Workers’ Action, France
9. Center for Research and Popular Education (CINEP), Colombia
10. Churches and Mining Network, Ecuador
11. CIDSE – International Family of Catholic Social Justice Organisations, International
12. Commission for the Prophetic Voice in Latin America and the Caribbean, Argentina
13. Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd, U.S. Region, USA
14. Coventry Justice and Peace Group, UK
15. Human Rights and Environment (DHUMA), Peru
16. Development and Peace – Caritas Canada, Canada
17. Faith Alliance for Disarmament and Social Justice of Latin America and the Caribbean, LAC
18. Franciscan Peace Center, Clinton, Iowa, USA
19. Franciscans International, Switzerland
20. Inter-American Institute for Peace and Reconciliation – Lay Catholic Faith Community, LAC
21. Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Loreto Generalate, International
22. Jesuit Social Justice and Ecology Secretariat (SJES), Italy
23. Justice et Paix France, France
24. Kairos Italia, Italy
25. Leadership Conference of Women Religious, USA
26. Legal Action Advocacy Services-LAAS, India
27. Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers , Peru
28. Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns, USA
29. Mercedarian Missionaries of Berriz, Japan
30. National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd , USA
31. National Justice and Peace Network, England and Wales
32. Pax Christi Aotearoa New Zealand, New Zealand
33. Pax Christi Auckland, New Zealand
34. Pax Christi England & Wales, England and Wales
35. Pax Christi Flanders, Belgium
36. Pax Christi France, France
37. Pax Christi Germany, Germany
38. Pax Christi Italia , Italy
39. Pax Christi Korea, South Korea
40. Pax Christi New York State, USA
41. Pax Christi Scotland , Scotland
42. Pax Christi USA, USA
43. Pax Christi Whangarei, New Zealand
44. Poor Clare Monastery of Our Lady of Guadalupe ,USA
45. Priests Against Genocide, USA, USA
46. Quixote Center, USA
47. Reach Education Action Program (REAP), India
48. REGCHAG – Ecclesial Network of the Gran Chaco and Guaraní Aquifer (REGCHAG), Argentina – Paraguay – Uruguay – Bolivia
49. Sisters of Mercy of the Americas – Justice Team, USA
50. Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods Indiana, USA
51. Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton, Iowa, USA

¹. “Israel: Discriminatory Death Penalty Bill Passes’, Human Rights Watch, March 30th 2026, https://www.hrw.org/news/2026/03/31/israel-discriminatory-death-penalty-bill-passes
². “Kairos Palestine II A Moment of Truth: Faith in a Time of Genocide”, Kairos Palestine, November 14th 2025, https://www.kairospalestine.ps/index.php/about-kairos/kairos-palestine-ii;“Israel/OPT: Newly adopted death penalty law must be repealed”, Amnesty International, March 20th 2026, https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2026/03/israel-opt-newly-adopted-death-penalty-law-must-be-repealed/
³. “UNRWA chief ‘appalled’ by Israel’s ‘extraordinarily discriminatory’ death penalty law”, Beyza Binnur Donmez for Anadolu Agency, March 30th 2026, https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/unrwa-chief-appalled-by-israels-extraordinarily-discriminatory-death-penalty-law/3886177
⁴. United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, 1948, https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/convention-prevention-and-punishment-crime-genocide
⁵. Israel turning execution of Palestinians into official state policy”, B’Tselem, March 30th 2026, https://www.btselem.org/press_releases/20260330_israel_turning_execution_of_palestinians_into_official_state_policy
⁶. “Israel turning execution of Palestinians into official state policy”, B’Tselem, March 30th 2026, https://www.btselem.org/press_releases/20260330_israel_turning_execution_of_palestinians_into_official_state_policy
⁷. Catechism of the Catholic Church, https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P7Z.HTM;
Encyclical Letter Fratelli Tutti of The Holy Father Francis on Fraternity and Social Friendship, October 2020, https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20201003_enciclica-fratelli-tutti.html

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