Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Fides Service)- “On behalf of the Christians in Iraq I wish to voice sympathy and solidarity to the families of the soldiers killed by the bomb attack on the Italian mission head quarters in Nassiriya on November 12. We are united in prayer with parents, wives, children brothers and sisters of the 17 military and 2 civilians ferociously murdered ” Iraqi Father Nizar Semaan, of Ninive diocese told Fides. He was voicing the sentiments of Christians in Iraq on the day of the state funeral in Rome organised for the 19 men by the city of Rome in the Basilica of St Paul’s outside the Walls, the second largest church in the capital after St Peter’s
“On this day of national mourning for Italy we offer our condolences to the Italian people whom we know to be generous and peace loving and in favour of harmony among nations” Nizar told Fides. “As a priest at Mass I will always remember these brothers who gave their lives to restore peace and democracy in my country. I know that the work of the Italian mission in Iraq is deeply appreciated. I would like to close with a prayer that the Italian blood shed on Iraqi soil may help the olive tree of peace to grow at last in this land. This will give even greater value to their sacrifice for the good of the whole of humanity”. (L.M.) (Fides Service18/11/2003 lines 21 words 241)
