Among the endless reports of senseless bloodshed and revenge killings coming out of Iraq is one curious and inspiring story, reported by CNS yesterday: Catholic Bishop Rejects Execution of Iraqi Archbishop’s Murderer Though Al Qaeda operative Ahmed Ali Ahmed was found guilty of kidnapping and murdering the Catholic Chaldean Archbishop of Mosul, Paulos Faraj Rahho, less than three months after the Archbishop’s body was found, a Baghdad bishop has spoken out against the Iraqi government’s plan to execute Ahmed in response. “Christian principles teach that it is not permissible to condemn anyone to death and they invite us to forgiveness, reconciliation and justice,” said Auxiliary Bishop Shlemo Warduni of Baghdad. “The Church in Iraq is interested in peace, security and reconciliation in the country.” Jim Keane, S.J.

James T. Keane is a Senior Editor at America.