By The Universe: Imposing the death sentence “reinforces the false perspective of revenge as justice,” according to a US bishop.

Speaking after a Federal Judge in North Dakota issued the death penalty to convicted murderer Alfonso Rodriguez Jr for the kidnap, rape and murder of a 22 year-old university student three years ago, the Bishop of Fargo Samuel Aquila said the death penalty "obscures for all of society the truth of the inherent dignity of human life."

"Responding to this senseless act of violence with another act of violence through imposition of the death penalty does not erase the hurt caused by the first act," he added.

"Rather, it reinforces the false perspective of revenge as justice. In doing so, it diminishes respect for all human life, both the lives of the guilty and the innocent."

Should a sentencing hearing due to be held in January not appeal the decision to execute Mr Rodriguez by lethal injection, he will become the first person executed in North Dakota for almost a century