I think the author chose the word "alleged" to counter the prevailing mentality amongst protestants that thousands upon thousands were slaughted for their beliefs during the Inquisition at the hands of evil Catholics, while the truth is something rather different.
If incinerating living beings and torturing people over religious beliefs do not constitute horror, then Saddam Hussein has been greviously mistreated.
Actually, Saddam was quite tolerate of religious beliefs, especially those of the Iraqi Christians, who are now leaving in droves as "liberation" sets in. Do you find it "horrible" that we incinerated 6,000-10,000 Iraqis in the name of "liberation" and mentally and physically tortured the falsely-held prisoners of Abu Ghraib over several months before the public was made aware, or are you just interested in sticking to the topic at hand and insulting the author of this piece over semantic difficulties?
I find it horrific that the author, knowing people were burned and tortured to death, refers to these instances as 'alleged.' If you do not find that disturbing, then Saddam's alleged crimes shouldn't bother you,either.
You can't spin the truth into some contrived paranoia by "protestants."
The Inquisition was a historically documented exercise in murderous brutality, denial of basic freedoms, and abuse of power -- and most despicably, done "In the name of the Lord."