National and International News, Saturday Dec. 30

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Saddam Hussein struggled briefly afterbeing handed over to Iraqi authorities, but grew calm in his final moments. Videotape shows him being led to the gallows and refusinga hood. Iraqi television is also airing images of what it says is his body after execution.

VATICAN CITY (AP) - The Vatican is denouncing Saddam Hussein's execution. A Vatican spokesman says it's no way to "reconstructjustice" in Iraqi society and says the execution could "fuel thespirit of revenge." He also reiterated the Catholic Church's opposition to the death penalty.

MADRID, Spain (AP) - Rescuers are searching the debris at Madrid's airport for one man after a car bomb exploded in a parking lot. Twenty-six people were slightly injured in the blast, which halted air traffic at the airport's new terminal.

PALM DESERT, Calif. (AP) - Thousands of people have paid their final respects to former President Gerald Ford, as crowds have beenfiling through a California church. Ford's body will be transported to Washington later this morning. Two services are planned there for Ford.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) - James Brown is being remembered in his hometown of Augusta, Georgia. More than eight thousand fans areexpected at this morning's public viewing of the man known as the "Godfather of Soul." Brown died of heart failure on Christmas morning in Atlanta.