ASIA/PHILIPPINES - Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales Archbishop of Manila,: “The people who abducted Fr. Bossi could be common criminals. Islam is not to be blamed”

Manila (Agenzia Fides) - “Another missionary taken hostage! This is very sad. He is not the only one: in the past other priests and missionaries were taken hostage and some were killed. In Mindanao there are groups of outlaws which use violence, but we must not generalise and blame Islam. Let us hope his life is spared”, Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales, Archbishop of Manila told Fides and he continued: “We bishops of the Philippines have appealed for the release of Fr Bossi and we are watching the situation closely. The kidnappers could be ordinary criminals, bandits in search of ransom money. They must be captured and brought to justice. We certainly cannot generalise and accuse Islam of this crime. We seek the support of the Muslim communities and all men and women of good will in dialogue and peace. We urge the police force to do everything possible to find the criminals and rescue Fr Bossi. We encourage and bless all the many missionaries who work with dedication at the service of the local communities in the Southern Philippines assuring them of our prayers ”. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 12/6/2007 righe 23 parole 240)