It’s with a heart as heavy for perpetrators as for victims that I report the execution of convicted murderer Manuel Pardo, Jr. will happen tonight as scheduled.
I can’t say it better than the bishops of Florida did in their statement:
“While the Catholic Church recognizes that the state has the right to carry out the death penalty under certain circumstances, the modern penal institutions make this unnecessary as the public is protected from any further harm,” the bishops say. “We believe that even though all life may not be innocent, all life is sacred. State sanctioned killing diminishes all citizens when the State takes the life of the convicted in our name.”
For you who pray (particularly you who are in Miami):
“As a sign of solidarity with all those around the state in prayer during the time of the execution, the bishops have called for a special prayer vigil to be held on December 11, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. at St. Mary Cathedral, 7525 N. W. 2nd Avenue, Miami, Florida. For further information on the vigil, contact Juan Di Prado at the Archdiocese of Miami, (305) 762-1046.”
Click here to read the bishops’ statement in full.