The group of 86 individuals includes a number of priests and laypeople, killed by Native Americans and subjects of the British Empire.

[4] During the period of the Spanish Empire's expansion into the New World, various Catholic settlements were established in North America, including a number extending into what would become the United States.

[5][6] During this era, various conflicts arose between the local Native populations and the encroaching colonists and Catholic missionaries, resulting in clashes and not a few deaths.

de Cáncer's likeness was installed as part of a large stained glass window at the Church of St. Vincent Ferrer (New York) run by the Dominican Order of priests.

Espíritu Santo Catholic Church in Safety Harbor, Florida, which is not far from the location of his death, also has a stained glass window that depicts de Cáncer's martyrdom.