Fallin Receives Letter On Behalf Of Pope Francis Concerning Glossip Execution

Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin received a letter written on behalf of Pope Francis concerning the execution of death row inmate Richard Glossip.

Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, Pope Francis' U.S. Representative, wrote the letter on behalf of the Pope asking Gov. Fallin "to commute" the death sentence of Glossip.

The letter states, “Pope John Paul II said that capital punishment ought only to be used ‘in cases of absolute necessity; in other words, when it would not be possible otherwise to defend society,’ cases which he recognized today ‘are very rare, if not practically non-existent.’”

Read the complete letter here.

Alex Weintz, spokesperson for Gov. Fallin's office, said the request is for commutation, which the governor does not have the authority to grant. It also does not refer to the specifics of Richard Glossip’s case. It is a general argument against the death penalty, Weintz said. 

Glossip is set to be executed at 3 p.m. Wednesday. 

9/30/2015 Related Story: Richard Glossip Set To Be Executed Wednesday Afternoon