Florida bishop appeals for end to death penalty, calls it ‘a failure of mercy’

Florida bishop appeals for end to death penalty, calls it ‘a failure of mercy’

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (OSV News) — As the state of Florida moves forward with yet another scheduled execution — this time set for June 10 — retired Bishop Felipe J. Estévez of St. Augustine is making a public appeal for mercy over retribution, calling the death penalty “a failure of mercy and moral imagination.” “Executions are carried out one after another,” the bishop said, “as if violence can somehow bring justice or peace. But state-sanctioned…