"God can touch and change even the most bitter and hardened heart. Mindful of this, we do not support the execution of criminals. When we execute someone, we take away any opportunity they have to repent and develop a relationship with God in this life," the bishops stated.
The Archdiocese of Mobile referred to a column written by Archbishop Thomas Rodi in The Catholic Week in August of 2018.
"The death penalty is not a private matter," the archbishop wrote in the column.
"It is not the grieving loved ones who execute those found guilty, it is not merely the governor who executes, it is not merely the warden of the prison who executes, it is all of us, the citizens of Alabama, since capital punishment is the law that we have enacted and enforce."
"I remain convinced that we the citizens of Alabama need to end capital punishment in our civil courts," he wrote.
The group Catholic Mobilizing Network, which advocates for an end to use of the death penalty, was following Woods' case and asked supporters for prayers.
"At times like these we may feel at a loss of what to do in the face of such egregious acts of violence. These are the moments when we pray for God's guidance and Grace. Please pray, on behalf of Nathaniel Woods that he may come to know God's peace and ever-present mercy," the group stated on its website.
Pope Francis in 2018 approved new language for the Catechism on the death penalty, calling it "inadmissible."
The new language states that "the Church teaches, in the light of the Gospel, that 'the death penalty is inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person,' and she works with determination for its abolition worldwide."
Editor's note: The post originally identified Wood's first name as Nathan instead of Nathaniel, it has been updated.
Matt Hadro was the political editor at Catholic News Agency through October 2021. He previously worked as CNA senior D.C. correspondent and as a press secretary for U.S. Congressman Chris Smith.