A clash is building between the Pope and American leaders over executing the Fort Hood shooter, with the Vatican's stance landing badly with US conservatives.

• Pope Leo called the death penalty unacceptable, saying prisons can protect people while leaving room for redemption.
• The case is Nidal Hasan, the Army major who killed 13 soldiers and wounded more than 30, now set for execution by firing squad in December.
• Critics push back with Old Testament passages and say taxpayers should not keep paying to house him after 17 years.
• Trump says he has not decided whether to allow a live stream, weighing deterrence against the risk of radicalizing others.
• JD Vance backs the execution but says he will not watch if it is broadcast; the sharpest anger is aimed at the betrayal by someone in uniform.

Outlook: The execution looks on track for December, with the fight now over whether it gets televised.