Vatican taking an interest in case of Iranian woman sentenced to stoning

September 06, 2010

The Vatican is following reports about the scheduled execution of a Iranian woman by stoning, officials have confirmed.

Father Federico Lombardi, the director of the Vatican press office, declined to answer a question about whether Pope Benedict would intervene on behalf of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, who has been sentenced to death for adultery. The papal spokesman explained that if the Vatican did become involved, it would work through diplomatic channels rather than issuing public statements.

However Father Lombardi did reaffirm that the Church opposes the use of the death penalty; he added that “stoning is a particularly brutal form.”

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Pope monitoring Iranian woman sentenced to stoning death, Vatican says (CNN)