Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Fides Service) – The Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples CEP learned with profound grief of the death of Archbishop Michael Aidan Courtney, Apostolic Nuncio in Burundi, aged 58, mortally wounded in his car during an ambush yesterday 29 December at Minago, 50 km south of the Burundian capital Bujumbura. Other persons travelling in the same car were wounded, whereas the Irish born Archbishop died of his injuries at Bujumbura hospital.
In a statement issued this morning, the CEP mourned Archbishop Courtney, “tireless builder of peace, zealous missionary and faithful co-worker with the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples in the troubled land of Burundi, assassinated while carrying out his apostolic ministry. His life’s witness is added to that of the countless missionaries who gave their lives to proclaim the Gospel. May the God of peace welcome the Archbishop among his faithful servants.”
In a telegramme to the Nunciature in Bujumbura on behalf of the CEP, Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe, Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples and Archbishop Robert Sarah Secretary of the CEP, “share the grief of the Nunciature and the entire local Church and pray that his death may contribute towards the long desired authentic peace. May the Lord, who came to save humanity, grant eternal life to the late Archbishop Courtney.” (S.L.) (Fides Service 30/12/2003 – lines 13; words 166)
