Saddam Hussein’s death sentence was celebrated by some as justice deserved or even divine, but denounced by others as a political ploy before critical US mid-term congressional elections.

An Italian cardinal today stressed the need for Catholic politicians to adhere to church teaching and said Italians should keep ethical issues about family and life in mind when they vote in next month’s election for Parliament.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern will today address a major conference of the Catholic Church that is exploring the values inspiring Irish political and social life.

THE execution of Stanley Tookie Williams yesterday outraged many in Europe and the US who regard the practice as barbaric.

California’s execution of a murderer this morning outraged many in Europe who regard the practice as barbaric, and feelings ran particularly deep in state Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s native Austria.

The Vatican today welcomed the decision of the world’s wealthiest countries to forgive more than £20bn (€30bn) in debt owed by poor nations and called on the rich to follow up by increasing development aid.

The parents of Terri Schiavo met briefly with Pope Benedict XVI at a general audience in the Vatican today, touching the Pope’s hands and presenting him with a picture of their daughter.

The family of Terri Schiavo met with a cardinal today to thank him for the Vatican’s support as they sought to keep the brain-damaged woman alive.

THE Vatican said the death of Terri Schiavo yesterday was a “violation of the sacred nature of life”, and hoped it would lead to legal changes.

Saddam Hussein deserves the “ultimate penalty” for his crimes, US president George Bush has told the nation.

A TOP Vatican official said yesterday he felt pity and compassion for Saddam Hussein and criticised the US military for showing video footage of him being treated “like a cow”.