The State of Florida has executed 12 people thus far in 2026 – triple the number of executions carried out by any other state during the same period. The state may be headed to another gruesome record year. Last year, Florida carried out 19 executions, the most of any year since the state reinstated the death penalty in 1976.
On July 28, Florida executed two people in the same day, James Duckett and Dominick Occhicone. A prayer vigil seeking an end to the death penalty took place that evening at San Pedro Parish, North Port. Everyone involved in the execution process was prayed for; the doctor administering the execution, the witnesses, the victims and their families, and they prayed for a conversion of the condemned, and an end to the death penalty.
The bishops of Florida have spoken out, inviting Catholics and all people of good will to reflect more deeply on the death penalty in light of Catholic teaching and today’s criminal justice system.
The bishops’ recent pastoral letter reaffirms the Catholic Church’s longstanding commitment to the dignity of every human person. While recognizing the profound suffering experienced by victims of violent crime and their families, respect for human dignity extends even to those convicted of the most serious offenses. Because modern correctional systems can effectively protect society through life imprisonment without parole, the Church concludes that executions are no longer morally justified. The bishops’ statement can be found here: https://files.ecatholic.com/…/260727DeathPenaltyPastora…
The next execution in Florida is scheduled Aug. 18. A prayer vigil will take place at San Pedro Parish, in the chapel, 14380 Tamiami Trail, North Port, for each scheduled execution. The vigil begins at 5:30 p.m., and lasts less than an hour and includes hymns, a Gospel reading, reflections, intercessions and a praying of the Rosary. A pause takes place at 6 p.m., the time most executions take place. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Our Lady of Mercy, pray for us!
