Cardinals and Vatican's envoy to Washington appeal mercy; Maryland Gov.:spare the life of condemned inmate

"Although we were saddened that our appeal on behalf of Mr. Baker was not heeded, we are not resigned, for we know from our interchanges with you that you are open to the words and example of Jesus Christ, who taught us that the heavenly reward of mercy shall be theirs who show mercy," the letter said."And so, no less hopeful than we were in making our earlier entreaty, we come to you again with another appeal for mercy."

DiMarzio said in his appeal that "it is not my intent in any way to diminish the responsibility of those who have committed terrible crimes; however, this execution can only compound the violence that already exists in our society."Keeler's letter noted that Catholic Church teaching recognizes the right of legitimate government to resort to capital punishment, but challenges its appropriateness in a society where other means are available to protect the public safety.