Former Iraqi leader's execution 'tragic', says Vatican

A Vatican spokesman today denounced Saddam Hussein's execution as "tragic'' and said it would not help efforts to bring justice, or to reconcile Iraqi society.

The execution is “tragic and a reason for sadness”, the Rev Federico Lombardi said, speaking in French on Vatican Radio’s French news programme.

It “will not help efforts aimed at justice and reconciliation” and “risks increasing violence”, the spokesman said.

He reiterated the Vatican’s opposition to the death penalty.