​Throughout the day yesterday, a prayer vigil accompanied the final hours of James Duckett, 68, and Dominick Occhicone, 80, both sentenced to death in Florida. Thousands of people, connecting online or gathered outside the penitentiary, prayed and held out hope until the very last moment for a change of heart and an act of clemency. Nevertheless, the executions were carried out: the first at 12:00 p.m. local time, and the second at 6:00 p.m.​

In recent days, the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops released a pastoral letter calling for an end to capital punishment, at a time when the state’s use of executions continues to rise: 19 in 2025 and already 12 in 2026.​

The bishops emphasized that incarceration is a sufficient penalty to sanction offenders, prevent recidivism, and guarantee public safety. Executing a person adds nothing to the protection of society and denies any possibility of transformation and redemption.

​The Community of Sant’Egidio* expressed its gratitude to the thousands of people who signed appeals for James Duckett and Dominick Occhicone, taking a stand for life. Capital punishment is contrary to the Gospel: there can be no justice when the right to life is denied. Gratitude was also expressed to all those who, over the years, accompanied these individuals through correspondence, visits, and phone calls, supporting them on their human and spiritual journey.​

Today, we share in their grief and continue to pray for all those on death row.