Pope’s Appeal For Inmate Sent To Clinton

Pope John Paul II has asked U.S. authorities to stay the execution of a convicted murderer, the Vatican said Saturday.

The Holy See said the pope is asking President Clinton and Virginia Gov. George Allen for mercy on behalf of Joseph Roger O’Dell II, scheduled for electrocution on Wednesday in Virginia.

It was at least the fifth time John Paul has interceded on behalf of a death-row inmate in the United States since 1983.

O’Dell was convicted of raping and murdering a woman in Virginia in 1985. He says he is innocent.