Catholic Bishops: Don't use violence to condemn violence

2012-12-11 15:40:33

Vatican Radio) Catholic bishops of the Archdiocese of Miami have called for a special prayer vigil on Tuesday 11th December 2012 in the lead up to the announced execution of Manuel Pardo Jr, who admitted to having committed nine murders in 1986.

In a statement, the Catholic Bishops of Florida have also reiterated their belief that the death penalty in Florida should be reviewed as it has in several states in light of evolving standards of justice.

“Recognizing that Manuel Pardo, Jr. wrongfully killed instead of pursuing legal means to arrest persons violating the law, the Catholic Bishops of Florida continue to speak out against the violence of execution and plead for life in prison without possibility of parole for Mr. Pardo.

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. 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.

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