Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

Catholics in the Diocese of Orlando are engaging in renewed discussions about the death penalty as Florida prepares for the execution of Kayle Bates on August 19, 2025. Bates is set to become the tenth person executed in the state since the beginning of the year.

Many Catholics who grew up with capital punishment viewed as a legitimate option by the state now face questions following Pope Francis’ 2018 declaration that the death penalty is “no longer necessary and wrong.” In his modification of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2267), Pope Francis wrote, “Recourse to the death penalty onthepartoflegitimateauthority,followingafairtrial,waslongconsideredanappropriateresponseto thegravityofcertaincrimesandanacceptable, albeit extreme, means ofsafeguardingthecommongood. Today,however,thereisanincreasingaware- nessthatthedignityofthepersonis notlostevenafterthecommissionofveryseriouscrimes.Inaddition,anewunderstandinghasemergedofthesignificanceofpenalsanctions imposed by the state. Lastly, more effectivesystemsofdetentionhave been developed, which ensure the dueprotectionofcitizensbut,atthe sametime,donotdefinitivelydeprivetheguiltyofthe possibilityof redemption.

“Consequently, 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’ (Francis, Discourse, Oct. 11, 2017), and she works with determination for its abolition worldwide.”

The Vatican reiterated this stance in 2024 through Dignitas Infinita from its Dicastery for the Doctrine of Faith: The document stated that capital punishment “violates the inalienable dignity of every per- son, regardless of the circumstances.”

Meghan Collins leads Peace and Justice Ministry at St. Margaret Mary Parish in Winter Park. She noted that parishioners have gathered to pray for those about to be executed—along with their victims and families—even before her arrival in 2003. Collins has received negative mail and had signs announcing vigils removed twice. “It seems to be something that divides people on life issues,” she said. “No issue is pre-eminent over others, but that seems to be a struggle for people.”

She observed that while some may show strong pro-life support against abortion, they do not always extend this position to capital punishment.

Father Fred Ruse recalled hosting a dialogue session at Our Saviour Parish in Cocoa Beach after returning from missionary work abroad: “That was enlightening for all of us. Some people were for [the death penalty], against [it], some on the fence. But they listened toeachother,” he said. “Theyweregraciousandkind.Oneofthe peopleforthedeathpenaltyaskedifwecouldpraytogether.Theconversationledustothatpoint.Itiswhatcanbealong-termprocessofconversion.Butithastohavethatelementofinvitingpeopletositdownandtalkabout it in a way that is non-judgmental,non-confrontational,non-emotional,but listening.”

To Catholics still struggling with this teaching change by church leadership over time Father Ruse commented: “Ithinkitmakessensetobestrugglingwithitbecause for so long the Church hashadthepositionthatthestatehastheauthoritytomakethedecision.AndCatholicshave,generationaftergeneration,beengoodstudents.They’velistenedtowhattheChurchtaughtintermsofitsdeferencetothestateand its authority over matters like this.” He described it as a matter involving conscience and one’s relationship with God: “Jesus,theone whowefollowwasavictimofcapital punishment. You would think that would speak to us with greater sensitivity.” He added that Catholic Social Teaching calls every Catholic to action and "to upholdthe dignity of every human person."

In Daytona Beach at Our Lady of Lourdes parish Father Phil Egitto continues his two-decade practice of leading parishioners on bus trips to executions such as Bates’, where they will pray and protest together outside Starke prison. Egitto explained his motivation: “If I’m going to live in the state of Florida where people are being killed in my name,I need to go to executions and say,'Not in my name.'” Over time more members joined him as witnesses motivated by faith.

“Our church has a passion for life.As a person preaching Gospel,I’m a leader so I lead my community...that’s cause justice,” he said.“I think it’s important if we’re going live our faith...that we do it.For me prayer is action; living my faith is action...I believe Gospel calls us.” He also encourages writing letters to elected officials seeking change.

Anne Casey,a parishioner at Our Lady of Lourdes,says she protests nearly every execution.She reflected,“Life without parole is a horrible punishment in and of itself.The idea of us murdering somebody who murdered somebody else seems completely wrong.And sometimes state gets it wrong.” She pointed out cases where DNA evidence or other factors led courts later exonerate individuals once sentenced.

Peggy Canary,a member at St.Margaret Mary since 1985,recalled accepting capital punishment growing up.Her views changed after reading about trauma histories among offenders or learning about botched executions.She questioned how killing could fit within Christian forgiveness.

Bishop John Noonan—who previously worked in Miami prison ministry—shared an encounter with an inmate facing likely execution:“I don’t mind if I get sentence death because I’ve made peace with God.What I worry about is all these other guys here who haven’t been given opportunity make peace with God before they’re executed.” Bishop Noonan asked,“Do we give people opportunity find God...before execute them? We’re condemning them death,but we’re also condemning them what?God’s grace more important than death penalty.”

The Diocese of Orlando was established in 1968 and includes Brevard,Lake,Marion,Orange,Osceola,Polk Seminole Sumter,and Volusia counties.It consists of 79 parishes across these areas under Bishop John Noonan's leadership.

Parish listings are available online for those wishing join vigils or holy hours praying for condemned persons,victims,and families.