Host James Martin, S.J., welcomes famed anti-death penalty advocate, Sister Helen Prejean, onto “The Spiritual Life” podcast.

0:00 Who is Sr. Helen Prejean?
1:48 Catholic doctrine on the death penalty
4:44 Graphic edition of "Dead Man Walking"
6:08 Sr. Helen's spiritual journey as a death row chaplain
11:29 Writing to Pope Saint John Paul II
14:30 Pope Francis declares the death penalty inadmissible
17:00 God's grace unfolding
27:28 What forgiveness does for us
37:06 Sr. Helen's spiritual practice
47:20 How to keep our eyes open
50:36 Audience Question: How can we forgive someone whose actions seem immoral?

Read Fr. James' spiritual advice column about this episode: https://www.americamagazine.org/podcasts/2026/01/12/sister-helen-prejean-father-james-martin-spiritual-life/

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Check out Fr. James' new book "Work In Progress" here : https://www.harpercollins.com/pages/jamesmartin

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