The Vatican today said it is pressing Iran "through diplomatic channels" to spare the life of an Iranian woman condemned to death by stoning for adultery.
The case of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, a 43-year-old mother of two convicted of adultery and sentenced to death, has been the subject of international outrage.
Her lawyer has fled the country.
Brazil earlier offered to give the woman asylum, a proposal rejected by Iran.
Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi today said in a statement that the pope is giving the case his "attention and commitment," noting that "stoning is a particularly brutal form" of death.
The Catholic Church opposes the death penalty.
compiled from agency reports