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Ernest Lee Johnson was put to death in October of 2021 despite calls for clemency from Pope Francis, Rep. Emmanuel Cleaver, Rep.  Cory Bush, and other supporters. They argued that his execution would be unconstitutional due to his intellectual disabilities. Pope Francis also appealed to Governor Parsons based on “the simple fact of Mr. Johnson’s humanity and the sacredness of all human life.”

Read more: “Missouri Executes Death Row Prisoner Despite Pleas From Pope and Others,” New York Times, Oct. 5, 2021