Bolstered by trends in public policy and new polling data showing that Catholics increasingly oppose capital punishment, the U.S. bishops March 21 kicked off Holy Week by launching a Catholic Campaign to End the Use of the Death Penalty.

The U.S. bishops as a group have spoken out against the death penalty several times since the 1970s, including a comprehensive 1980 statement and a 1999 Good Friday appeal. Individual bishops and state or regional church organizations also have issued dozens of statements and pastoral letters on the topic.

"But this campaign is new," said Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick of Washington at the press conference where the campaign was announced. "It brings greater urgency and unity, increased energy and advocacy and a renewed call to our people and to our leaders to end the use of the death penalty in our nation."