December 30th 2006    -   for immediate release

PRESS STATEMENT

Archbishop Gervais issues a statement
on the execution of Saddam Hussein

It is with regret that I have learned of the execution of Saddam Hussein, the former president of Iraq. Life is given by God and is to be taken away only by Him. Adding the death of a killer to the death of those he has killed adds only one thing one more death. The execution of a murderer does little to relieve the sentiments of loss of the bereaved. Celebrating the dark joy of revenge makes the death even more tragic. This death will only intensify the downward spiral of violence and killings. May the Lord have mercy on us all!

Marcel Gervais
Archbishop of Ottawa

Source: Gilles Ouellette, Director of Communications
       613-738-5025, ext. 238