US archbishop says Catholics in army should not participate in firing squad

Archbishop Timothy Broglio, who oversees the spiritual care of Catholic members of the US armed forces, has stated that Catholics serving in the US Army should not participate in the firing squad execution of Nidal Hasan, the Fort Hood shooter. This execution is scheduled to take place on December 3 and is planned to be live-streamed by the Pentagon. Broglio's statement reflects a strong opposition to this unprecedented plan, which he argues is contrary to church teachings. In his remarks, Archbishop Broglio emphasized that the act of execution, particularly when broadcasted, raises significant moral and ethical concerns. He articulated that the participation of Catholic soldiers in such an execution would conflict with the values and teachings of the Catholic Church. The archbishop's position highlights the tension between military obligations and religious beliefs, particularly in the context of capital punishment. The execution of Nidal Hasan, who was convicted of killing 13 people during a shooting spree at Fort Hood, has garnered significant attention due to its planned live-streaming. This aspect of the execution has been described as unprecedented, raising questions about the implications of publicizing such an event. Broglio's objections serve to underscore the broader debate surrounding the morality of capital punishment and the role of military personnel in such actions.