Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - Following the recitation of the Angelus on Sunday, March 2, the Holy Father Benedict XVI launched three appeals. “With profound sadness, I have followed the events surrounding the kidnapping of Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho Chaldean Archbishop of Mosul, Iraq,” the Pope said. “I unite myself to the call of the patriarch, Cardinal Emmanuel III Delly, and his co-workers, for the dear prelate -- who is also in very poor health -- to be released immediately. I also elevate my prayer of supplication for the souls of the three young people who were with him and were killed at the time of the kidnapping. I express, moreover, my closeness to the entire Church in Iraq and in particular to the Chaldean Church, that have once again been dealt a serious blow, while I encourage all of the pastors and faithful to be strong and firm in hope. May the efforts of those who control the fate of the Iraqi people be multiplied so that, thanks to the commitment and wisdom of all, this people may again find peace and security, and the future to which it has a right not be destroyed.” The Holy Father was immediately informed of Archbishop Rahho’s kidnapping, which took place in the afternoon of February 29, during an ambush. Archbishop Rahho had just finished participating in the Way of the Cross, a religious practice that is very dear to the faithful of Iraq. As a communication from the Holy See has suggested, there is reason to believe that the criminal action has been premeditated.
Another appeal was made for the Holy Land, by the Pope in the Angelus on March 2: “Unfortunately, in recent days, tensions between Israel and Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have seriously escalated. I renew my pressing invitation to Israeli and Palestinian officials, that this spiral of violence be stopped, unilaterally, without conditions. Only by showing an absolute respect for human life, even that of the enemy, can one hope to provide a future of peace and coexistence for the young generations of those peoples who both have their roots in the Holy Land. I invite the whole Church to lift up supplications to the Almighty for peace in the land of Jesus and to show attentive and active solidarity with both populations, Israeli and Palestinian.”
In conclusion, making reference to a recent event in Italy, Benedict XVI launched “an appeal on behalf of children” all over the world. “This week, the Italian news has focused on the tragic end of two children, known as Ciccio and Tore. It is an end that has deeply worried me, as it has so many families and persons. I would like to take this occasion to launch an appeal on behalf of children: Let us care for our little ones. We must love them and help them to grow. I say this to parents but also to institutions. In launching this appeal, I think of childhood in every part of the world, above all of that which is defenseless, exploited and abused. I entrust each child to the heart of Christ, who said, ‘Let the children come to me’(Lk 18:16).” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 3/3/2008; righe 38, parole 529).
