Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - "We explained to the Pope the situation of Christians in Pakistan, where to witness to the faith can sometimes lead to death. The Holy Father seemed very concerned. He expressed his solidarity and his support and assured us of his prayers,” reports Fr Shahzad Niamat to Fides, the Pakistani priest from the Diocese of Multan, who this morning participated at the Audience granted by Pope Benedict XVI to the clergy of Rome. Fr Niamat was able to speak with the Pope for a few minutes, thereby representing Pakistani priests, religious and seminarians in Rome.
“We also thanked the Holy Father for his words and his recent appeals to Minister Shahbaz Bhatti on behalf of Asia Bibi, in regards to the blasphemy law. The Holy Father communicated to us his hope that things may change and that in Pakistan there may be full respect for human dignity and religious freedom. He gave us his Blessing,” recounts Fr Niamat.
Fr Niamat, on behalf of Pakistani priests, religious, seminarians and lay Catholics and the Association of Pakistani Christians in Italy, he confirms to Fides, are not participating in the demonstration organised for today at 3,00 pm, in front of the Pakistani Embassy in Rome, as they believe that the initiative is too antagonistic and has been too politicised. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 10/03/2011)
