Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bagdad (Agenzia Fides) - Christians in Iraq, throughout the Middle East, and in other places in the world have begun a campaign of intense prayer for the release and saving of Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho Chaldean Archbishop of Mosul, Iraq, who was kidnapped on February 29, in Mosul following the celebration of the Stations of the Cross, as he left the Church of the Holy Spirit. In the event of the kidnapping, three Christian men who accompanied the Archbishop were killed. The incident caused grief, concern, and bitterness for Iraqi Christians. In recent days, calls for his release have come in from all over the world, by international institutions, such as the European Union. The Holy Father Benedict XVI also, in the Angelus on Sunday, launched an appeal for the release of the Archbishop, asking that all faithful around the world join in prayer.
The Christian communities in Iraq, who are of various rites, have asked their faithful and all believers of the world to pray for the release and saving of the Archbishop who, furthermore, suffers from frail health and is in need of his medicines.
The Iraqi Christians have asked that people pray that, “the Bishop be freed, that he may know the comfort of Jesus’ presence with him in these moments of suffering and uncertainty, and that his family members may feel the presence of God in this moment of trial.”
The prayer is also lifted with the intention of the entire community of Mosul, “that all the leaders of the Christian churches may continue, lead by the Holy Spirit, to provide the liturgical, pastoral, and charitable services, for the good of the local inhabitants.” The prayer also includes, “that all believers of Mosul may remain faithful witnesses to the Risen Savior and that the kidnappers may be touched by the love of God,” opening their hearts and releasing the Archbishop.
The religious and members of the Christian churches in Iraq have long suffered attacks, threats, and kidnappings. The kidnappings are often carried out by criminal groups, with the goal of intimidating the people. Among the most recent attack episodes is the shooting of Catholic priest Fr. Ragheed Gani and three deacons on June 3, 2007, the attack of a Chaldean church of Al-Tahira in January 2008, and the kidnapping and assassination of a Syrio-Orthodox priest in November 2006. Many Christian families, living in this environment of fear, have escaped or emigrated.
The Chaldean Archbishop of Kirkuk, Archbishop Louis Sako, has stated, “In Mosul, there is a very painful situation and fear spreads. We are hoping and we are working with other groups to save the Archbishop. The mayor of Mosul, the Council of Imam, and other groups have made requests for his release; all have begun working towards his release.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides; 3/3/2008; righe 36, parole 463)
