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- calendar_today October 12, 2026
Archbishop Addresses Catholic Soldiers Ahead of Nidal Hasan Execution
Archbishop Timothy Broglio, who leads the Catholic Church’s pastoral services for Catholics in the U.S. military, has issued a statement urging Catholic soldiers to request exemption from participating in the firing squad that is scheduled to execute Nidal Hasan. The execution of Hasan, convicted for the 2009 Fort Hood attack, is set to take place on December 3 and may be livestreamed, a proposal the archbishop strongly condemns.
Stance Against Execution Livestream
Broglio criticized the proposed public broadcast of the execution, questioning its value and the impact on the reputation of the U.S. military. He asked, "The crime committed by Hasan was heinous, but does exposing the public to his execution serve any purpose?" The archbishop further stated, "Is there really a value to throwing them in the same boat with terrorists by broadcasting the image of the execution of a man in a wheelchair to the whole world?"
Catholic Church’s Position on Capital Punishment
In his statement, Archbishop Broglio maintained that participation in such executions is contrary to Catholic teachings. He joined other Catholic leaders who have previously voiced opposition to both the death penalty and to plans for an execution livestream, reinforcing the church’s consistent position on capital punishment.
Background on the Nidal Hasan Case
Nidal Hasan, a former Army psychiatrist, was convicted of killing 13 people at Fort Hood, Texas, in 2009. Among the victims was Michael Grant Cahill—the only civilian killed in the attack. Archbishop Broglio recalled presiding over Cahill’s funeral, giving a personal dimension to the church’s continuing engagement with the aftermath of the attack.
Appeal to Military Personnel
Broglio called on Catholic soldiers who might be assigned to the execution firing squad to request to be excused from the duty. He stated this role would put Catholic service members in opposition to the teachings of the church, emphasizing the moral and spiritual considerations at stake for those in the armed forces.
Support for AP Religion Coverage
The Associated Press noted that its religion reporting receives funding through a collaboration with The Conversation US and support from Lilly Endowment Inc. However, AP retains full editorial control over content.
Source: wtop.com.
