ASIA/IRAQ - Release of two Catholic priest hostages in northern Iraq

Mosul (Agenzia Fides)- The two Catholic priests of Syro-Catholic rite taken hostage in Mosul, northern Iraq on 13 October (see Fides 15 and 16 October 2007) were released yesterday Sunday 21 October. The priests, Fr. Pius Afas and Fr. Mazen Ishoa, are in good health and say they were well treated by their kidnappers.
The abductors were probably common criminals not connected with political or military groups.
On Sunday 14 October, at the midday Angelus prayer Pope Benedict XVI had appealed for the priests' release. “ I learned today of the kidnapping of two good priests of the Syrian-Catholic Archdiocese of Mossul, threatened by death. I appeal to the kidnappers to release the two Religious promptly and as I once again reassert that violence does not resolve tensions, I raise a heartfelt prayer to the Lord for their liberation, for all the victims of violence and for peace ” the Holy Father said.
On learning of the priests release Holy See spokesman Fr . Federico Lombardi, said: “We are extremely pleased that the priests have been released, because we participated intensely in the event with deep concern. Let us hope that there will be no more hostage taking in future”. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 22/10/2007 righe 15 parole 195)