Pope denounces torture during Guatemala mass

Pope John Paul II denounced torture and abduction as he celebrated mass before an estimated 1 million Guatemalans. The Pope earlier held a brief private meeting with Guatemalan President Efrain Rios Montt. No details were given. Last week Mr. Rios Montt ignored Vatican pleas to spare the lives of six alleged leftist guerrillas. Their executions cast a shadow on the Pope's visit. Meanwhile, Amnesty International said it feared as many as 15 people convicted by Guatemalan military tribunals might face execution in the next few days. The Pope's Central America tour highlights a growing conflict in the region over the role of the church.