The Archbishop of Birmingham has called on political leaders to stop the "shocking misuse of power" by British troops in Iraq.
The Most Rev Vincent Nichols, RC Archbishop of Birmingham, addressed evensong at St Philips Anglican Cathedral in the city. He said nothing could justify the abuses said to have been committed by US and UK troops.
He also attacked newspapers for "making political capital out of suffering".
'Degrades human beings'
He called on ministers to hold a full investigation into the allegations.
He said: "We need look no further than today's newspapers to see the shocking misuse of power in the prisons of Iraq. Nothing can justify that behaviour, which so degrades human beings.
"Power entrusted to the hands of a fallible human being can easily lead to distorted judgments and exploitative behaviour.
"Something has gone wrong within those army units. The power over others that comes with military victory has been abused and it is right that such events be brought to light.
"Now the proper steps are being followed: apology, investigation, prosecution and punishment. These steps are built on the strength of our Christian heritage.
"They never excuse what has happened. But the exercise of justice is a hallmark of a decent society."
Public degradation
The Archbishop was also critical of politicians seeking "political advantage" out of the situation in Iraq.
"I wonder, does the search for justice continue to be the real motivation for the relentless publication of these photographs?" he added.
"I do not think it is right to continue the public degradation of those men through the repeated publication of the photographs for such motives.
"Politicians and newspaper editors bear a heavy responsibility."
Guests were told a proper and fair legal system must be in place and must be trusted by ordinary Iraqis if the June handover of power to an interim Iraqi administration was to be a success.
The Archbishop added: "A just judge, a fair magistrate, is one who above all else exercises their power with care and impartiality.
"Such a person knows that vindictiveness has no part in justice.
"They know the difference between the imposition of a just sentence and the misuse of force.
"They understand the need for discipline and rigour in the exercise of power.
"And they know that good order can never be imposed by violence, but only built up slowly by sound practice, evident justice, and the establishment of trust.
"We pray for all those who are seeking to establish a society of lasting justice in the turmoil of Iraq."
The Archbishop was one of a number of leading clerics who, before the start of war in Iraq, called on political leaders to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
He joined leaders from across Britain's religious spectrum to hold a peace vigil outside Birmingham Cathedral when war was declared.