Bishop kidnapped in Iraq
Joanna writes: Kidnappers in Iraq took the Bishop of Mosul hostage after shooting dead his driver and guard on Friday.
Bishop Paulos Faraj Raho was taken as he travelled back to the cathedral after celebrating the Via Crucis rite. The kidnappers shot his driver, who died at the scene, and guard who died of his injuries in hospital, before seizing the bishop.
The Pope has called for his release as have Iraq's Muslim leaders.
Attacks against Christians have increased in Mosul since the US led invasion in 2003 according to Aid to the Church in Need.
In June 2007 a priest and two deacons were killed as they left church
and in January this year Al-Tahira Chaldean Church was bombed. In 2006
a Syrian Orthodox priest was kidnapped and murdered according to Middle East Concern.
An estimated half the Christian population of Iraq have left the country since the invasion according the group and the Pope has expressed concerns for the long term future of Christians in the Middle East as a result.
Prayer goes to his family and the Diocese.
Posted by: Brother Enrique | 8 Mar 2008 18:04:46
According to this article:
http://www.uruknet.de/?p=m42072&hd=&size=1&l=e
"The Iraqi murdered Bishop was a staunch opponent to the US Occupation and denounced President Saddam Hussein' execution."
This would explain well why he was murdered.
Posted by: Bronwyn Hancock | 29 Mar 2008 05:24:36
Those people who kidnapped him are sick and they will get the punishment they deserve. One man responsible already was executed, let's hope that happens to the others.
Posted by: Linda | 26 Jun 2008 05:22:45