Fides News English

AFRICA/CONGO - The erection of the new diocese of Dolisie (Republic of Congo) and appointment of the first Bishop

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Vatican City - The Holy Father Francis on 24 May 2013, erected the new diocese of Dolisie , with territory taken from the diocese of Nkayi, making it a suffragan of the Archdiocese of Brazzaville, and appointed Rev. Bienvenu Manamika Bafouakouahou, Vicar General of the Diocese of Kinkala as the first Bishop of Dolisie.Rev. Bienvenu Manamika Bafouakouahou was born in Brazzaville on 16 October 1964. He comes from the village of Pool, not far from Kinkala. He was ordained a priest on August 29, 1993 for the Diocese of Kinkala.After ordination he held the following positions: 1993-1995: Spiritual Director at the Minor Seminary of the Diocese of Kinkala, in Mindouli, and Cooperator in the Parish of Martyrs in Mindouli; 1995-2000: studies in Canon Law at the University of Salamanca and Cooperator in the Parish of St. Mary Mediatrix ; 2000-2003: Pastor of the Parish of Paray ; 2004-2009: Pastor of the Cathedral of Kinkala; since 2004: Vicar General of the Diocese of Kinkala, Episcopal Delegate for the diocesan Caritas and Coordinator of the College of St. Augustine in Kinkala.
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ASIA/INDIA - A new future for Christians in Karnataka

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Bangalore - There may be a different future: made of respect for human rights, dialogue, justice and harmony for Christians in Karnataka, one of the major Indian States. After the local elections on May 5, the Hindu extremist party "Bharatiya Janata Party" , obtained only 40 seats in the Parliament of Karnataka, while the majority went to the Congress party, which obtained 121 seats, out of a total of 223.In a note sent to Fides Agency, the Archbishop of Bangalore, Bernard Moras, informs that he met the newly elected head of government, Siddaramaiah, bringing greetings from the Council of Bishops of Karnataka, expressing hope on behalf of all Christians in the area. The Archbishop stressed the opportunity for Christians to be more involved and present in places of government, public entities and institutions.Fr. Faustine Lobo, priest of Bangalore and National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in India, explains to Fides Agency: "Today there is more confidence among the population. One can build a new social and religious atmosphere. The BJP was defeated for several reasons: it is divided into various factions; was the protagonist of a bad administration and cases of corruption, even three ministers were arrested; used the approach of 'communitarianism', pushing for a policy of division and discrimination against minorities. The people did not like and did not renew confidence in the BJP. Today, the Congress Party has a good opportunity to show a policy of good governance, which could lead to good results, because in a year and a half there will be national elections. The results of the vote in Karnataka are a warning to the BJP and for the entire nation: to foment social and religious unrest does not pay. As a Church we have always promoted and will continue to promote an approach based on dialogue and harmony among different communities. We look forward to a future of peace and development for Christians in Karnataka ".According to a recent report by the NGO "Catholic Secular Forum", Karnataka is at the apex in cases of inter-communal and inter-religious violence, with more than 1,000 attacks against Christians in 2011, an average of 3-5 attacks per day.

ASIA/HOLY LAND - The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem: the Palestinian problem is the focus of all conflict in the Middle East for the last one hundred years

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Beirut - "There is no doubt that the Palestinian problem is the focus of all conflict in the Middle East for the last one hundred years. This is the truth that we cannot circumvent". This is what the Patriarch of Jerusalem Fouad Twal said in his speech at the Conference being held in Beirut with regards to the presence and witness of Christians in the Middle East, on the initiative of the World Council of Churches . According to the Patriarch, unless the international community, the nations in the region and the interested parties act truthfully and wiyh goodwill to bring about peace, "this conflict will continue to feed aggression, oppression, deceit, double standards and occupation."According to the report released by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and sent to Fides Agency, His Beatitude Twal referred to the historical phase of the so-called "Arab Spring" as a time when the Middle East entered "a dangerous and bloody vortex." "We, children of the Holy Land," said the Patriarch of Jerusalem of the Latins "understand too well the meaning of words such as displacement, expulsion, murder, injustice, evacuation and exile." .

AFRICA/NIGERIA - "British-born Adebolajo is not a Nigerian": the Nigerian community in London react

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Abuja - The Nigerian press is giving prominence to the murder of British soldier which took place on May 22 in the London area of Woolwish, by two people carrying weapons. The first identified killer, Michael Adebolajo, was born in Great Britain of Nigerian descent, and according to Digital Journal, comes from the Yoruba communities of southwestern Nigeria. He is of Christian family origin but Adebolajo then converted to Islam and started attending meetings of Al muhajiroun, an islamist group.An article published by the newspaper "Nigerian Tribune" highlights the reactions of Nigerians both at home and especially of those who are part of the large Nigerian community living in London. Several respondents complained that the British media insists on presenting the killer as "Nigerian" when he is instead a British subject in all respects."Is Barack Obama a Kenyan or an American?" Writes a reader. "Please let us do all we can to drop this tag. "Adebolajo is a British, he is not one of us." "Last summer - writes another reader - a gentleman won the Olympic medal. He was well celebrated and it took a lot of us quite sometime to know that Anthony was a English-born of Nigerian descent. Also Philips Idowu, a Nigerian, won silver for the United Kingdom at the last Olympics, likewise Christine Ohuruogu and others won gold medals for Uk, but they were not referred to then as Nigerian.""The Woolwich killer has no ties to our beloved Country . He was not born a Muslim. It may have siblings who are not Muslims. He changed his religion in the UK. His conversion was in the UK. He probably has a British passport as well. " "Trying to blame the actions of a few on an entire race, country or religion is not only petty, it is hypocritical and unethical. Stop demonizing people, races and religions there are only good people and bad people," concludes a reader, who in this way gives voice to the concern of the Nigerian community in London that fears violent reactions.

EUROPE/SPAIN - Africa Day: Economic growth is not reflected on the population

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Madrid - On May 25, we celebrate Africa Day and, despite the macroeconomic estimates declare an increase of 5.1% in the continent in the last year, this is not reflected in the various sectors of society: the reduction of the poverty rate: almost 50% of Africans live below the poverty line and only 4% live with more than $ 10 a day. Moreover, food insecurity continues to be a scourge as well as a challenge for Africa, where 200 million people are affected. The same crisis is reflected in the health sector where there are huge disparities; with regards to education, although there is an increase in the rate of literacy, the quality is scarce; access to water is impossible to many and gender differences continue to be huge. Corruption, organized crime, ethnic violence, religious fundamentalism are just other aspects that penalize this great continent. 2 million people in 31 countries have benefitted from the various initiatives and projects in favor of the African population carried out by the NGO Manos Unidas of the Spanish Catholic Church. The favored sectors are agriculture, health care, social, education and in support of women.

ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - North Korea proposes a summit with the South: "hope re-opens", say the Bishops

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Seoul - North Korea has formally proposed to South Korea to host a joint event to commemorate the inter-Korean summit of 2000, which marked the beginning of a detente and rapprochement phase between the two countries. The summit of 2000 ended with an historic agreement between the leaders Kim Dae-jung and Kim Jong-il which provided for economic cooperation, meetings of separated families, renewed dialogue between the governments. North Korea proposes to celebrate that event in the town of Kaeseong or Mount Geumgangsan. The two countries held joint annual celebrations in Mount Geumgangsan from 2001 until 2008, when the crisis of the bilateral relations marked the interruption. According to observers, the proposal of Pyongyang indicates a willingness to resume joint projects. The proposal comes at a time when the tension between the two Koreas is high, and after threats of a "nuclear war" launched by Pyongyang.Are we at a turning point ? According to the Korean Bishops, the initiative of the North is a "sign that the door of hope can be re-opened." This was stated by His Exc. Mgr. Igino Kim Hee-joong, Archbishop of Kwanju, President of the Episcopal Commission for Interreligious Dialogue and of the "Korean Conference Religions for Peace", an organization that brings together Korean religious leaders. "Of course, the government of Seoul said it will evaluate the proposal well, since it affects the start of a sincere process of rapprochement," explains the Bishop. "On our behalf - he continues - we hope to resume the work of interreligious dialogue soon: we sent to Pyongyang the proposal for an inter- Korean meeting of religious leaders, such as those held in previous years. We hope to get a positive response soon."

AFRICA/NIGER - Fear of further outbreaks of cholera in refugee camps

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Niamey - In Niger, a cholera epidemic has affected 248 people in Ayorou, in the northwestern region of Tillabéry. According to the health offices of Tillabéry and the United Nations Agency for Refugees , six deaths have been recorded so far, two of them are refugees from Mali. Among the 31 infected are refugees living in camps in Tabareybarey and Mangaize, bordering Mali. To try to contain the phenomenon, the UNHCR has increased the distribution of drinking water, oral rehydration solutions, soap and disinfectant tablets in refugee camps and surrounding villages, but many drugs are urgently needed. The fear is that cholera can spread rapidly due to the high concentration of refugees in the region. Most of the cases concern the inhabitants of the city of Ayorou, which on Sunday hosts a cattle market frequented by people from all over the region. The Ministry of Health is trying to temporarily close this market, which is right next to the River Niger, suspected source of contamination. It is also prohibited to use, or drink river water, although it is very difficult to keep the situation under control. According to data released by the UNHCR, 5,785 people were infected in the country last year, 110 of whom died.

EUROPE/FRANCE - Appointment of National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Vatican City - Cardinal Fernando Filoni, Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, on April 5, 2013 appointed His Exc. Mgr. Patrick Le Gal, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Lyon as National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in France for the years 2013 - 2018.

ASIA/SYRIA - The Syriac Orthodox Metropolitan Roham: the people suffer even when there is no fighting

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Monaco - The suburban areas of northern Syria "are mostly controlled by various insurgent groups." The military government has abandoned the rural areas to concentrate its presence on the city of Hassaké and Kamishly. "But the people in these two cities have a great fear that fighting could start at any moment. In that case, a large number of children, girls, women and old people will cross the border with Turkey." This is how Eustathius Matta Roham, Syriac Orthodox Metropolitan of Jazirah and Euphrates, describes the situation experienced by Syrian populations in the north-east governorate of Hassaké, bordering Turkey and Iraq. In a report sent to Fides Agency, the Syriac Orthodox Metropolitan confirms that churches and all Christian symbols have been destroyed in the city of Ras al-Ayn, and he reports that the military conflict in the area has reached a deadlock, but the whole population is suffering due to the collapse of economic activities and the lack of primary goods. "The systematic practice of kidnapping continues," says S. E. Roham "and there is a permanent flow of people fleeing to Turkey."On Saturday, May 18 Metropolitan Roham met representatives of charitable organizations in Monaco of Bavaria to assess their Christian relief programs in favor of the Syrian people. The meeting is part of a mission to Europe that S. E. Roham is carrying out on behalf of Syriac Orthodox Patriarch Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, also to ascertain the condition in which Syrian refugees who have reached Greece live.Earlier, during his European Union "mission", the Syriac Orthodox Metropolitan had already met with officials of the charitable organizations Misereor, Missio and Aid to the Church in Need, and also Cardinal Christoph Schönborn. .

AMERICA/PERU - A contribution to better understand the migratory situation

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Lima - The Office for the Pastoral Care of Human Mobility of the Peruvian Episcopal Conference, in collaboration with the Scalabrini International Migration Network , published a report, which provides an updated analysis of the major trends of migration flows in Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay and Peru. The report also presents the actions taken in the 4 Countries by political and social groups that operate in the field of assistance to immigrants.According to a note sent to Fides, the document aims to offer qualified institutions the necessary measures on immigration and provide new insights for the development and implementation of policies and programs on migration in accordance with the challenges of the current world.The Pastoral Care of Human Mobility is part of the Episcopal Commission for Social Pastoral of the Peruvian Episcopal Conference and is responsible for organizing and coordinating the pastoral care of human mobility in the Peruvian Church. The "Scalabrini International Migration Network" is an institution founded in 2006 to promote the dignity and rights of migrants, refugees, seafarers, travelers and people on the move at an international level.

AFRICA/CONGO DR - Tensions in North Kivu on the eve of Ban Ki-moon’s visit

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Kinshasa - More than 30,000 refugees in camps in North Kivu have fled because of the fighting between the Congolese army and the rebels of the M23. This was stated by sources of the UN High Commission for Refugees.The fighting broke out on May 20 in the area of Mutaho, about 12 km from Goma. The two sides accuse each other of having caused the new wave of violence, on the eve of UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon’s visit in North Kivu, scheduled for today, May 23. Ban Ki-moon yesterday met President Joseph Kabila in Kinshasa to discuss in particular of the current deployment of the UN brigade in the area. This unit, consisting of 3,000 South African, Malawian and Tanzanian troops, is responsible for providing direct support to the UN Mission for the stabilization of the DRC in disarming rebel groups operating in North Kivu. The government of Kinshasa accuses the M23 of having have provoked new fighting to prevent the deployment of the brigade.The rebels deny the charges and said they were willing to cease hostilities immediately to facilitate the visit of the UN Secretary General.The M23 is not the only group responsible for the instability in the area, where in fact different militias and criminal organizations act. Not only has fighting started again near Goma, in the Butembo area, also 5 truck drivers were kidnapped along the road Butembo-Beni. According to the newspaper "Le Potentiel" the group of kidnappers is formed by some soldiers of the regular army and police. Unfortunately, there is a high number of kidnappings in the area. There are three Assumptionist Fathers who were kidnapped last October and of whom there is no news .

VATICAN - The Pope prays for Catholics in China on the feast of Our Lady of Sheshan

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Vatican City - Pope Francis invites the faithful around the world to pray for the Catholics in China. Tomorrow, 24 May, is the day dedicated to the liturgical memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Help of Christians, who is venerated at the Shrine of Sheshan in Shanghai, we celebrate the "Day of Prayer for the Church in China", which was established by Benedict XVI in 2007. Pope Francis at the end of the general audience yesterday, said: "I invite all Catholics around the world to join in prayer with our brothers and sisters in China; to implore of God the grace to proclaim Christ, dead and risen, with humility and joy; to be faithful to his Church and the Successor of Peter; and to live their everyday lives in service to their country and their fellow citizens in a manner consistent with the faith they profess. Making our own a few words of prayer to Our Lady of Sheshan, together with you I would like to invoke Mary: 'Our Lady of Sheshan, sustain all those in China, who, amid all their daily trials, continue to believe, to hope, to love. May they never be afraid to speak of Jesus to the world, and of the world to Jesus'. Mary, Virgin most faithful, support Chinese Catholics, render their commitments, which are not easy, more and more precious in the eyes of the Lord, and nurture the affection and the participation of the Church in China in the journey of the universal Church. "

ASIA/INDONESIA - A Jesuit: President Yudhoyono is an accomplice of religious intolerance

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Jakarta - The President of Indonesia Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is in fact, an accomplice and creator of the climate of religious intolerance and violence against minorities that exists in Indonesia. The strong complaint was publicly made by Fr. Franz Magnis-Suseno SJ, a Jesuit priest and professor of philosophy in Jakarta, one of the leading scholars of dialogue and religion in the Indonesian Church. Fr. Magnis-Suseno, who is also collaborator of the international magazine "Oasis", wrote an open letter to the "Appeal of Conscience Foundation" , a prestigious institute in New York with regards to the news that the Foundation is going to bestow this year’s Award to President Yudhoyono " because of his merits regarding religious tolerance ".In the letter, sent to Fides Agency, the Jesuit stresses: "This is a shame," which "discredits an institution with moral intentions." Fr. Magnis-Suseno asks: "Do you know the growing difficulties of Christians to get permits for opening places of prayer, about the growing number of forced closure of churches, about the growth of regulations that make worshipping for minorities more difficult, thus about the growing intolerance on the grassroot level? ".The complaint recalls "the shameful and quite dangerous attitudes of hardline religious groups towards so-called 'deviant teachings' meaning members of the Ahmadiyahoe and the Shia communities, and the government of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has not said or done anything to protect them." "Hundreds of people – have under Yudhoyono presidentship –been driven out of their houses, they still live miserably in places likesports halls." Faithful Ahmadis and Shias have been killed "only for religious reasons." And President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, during his eight and a half years in office "has not a single time said anything to the Indonesian people, that they should respect their minorities. He has shamefully avoided any responsibility regarding growing violence."The Jesuit said he was "appalled by so much hypocrisy" and warns against supporting, even indirectly, those who "want to purify Indonesia of all what they regard as heresies and heathen."

AMERICA - "A Continental Mission in solidarity with those who suffer", CELAM follows Pope Francis

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 +0200

City - "The Church in Latin America, willing and committed to bringing the fruits of life among our peoples, welcomes the evangelical orientation of Pope Francis’ programmatic proposal for the whole Church." This is how the bishops’ message of the 22 Episcopal Conferences of Latin America and the Caribbean begins, gathered in the XXXIV Ordinary Assembly of CELAM in Panama City from 14 to 17 May 2013."We realized and reflected on the serious problems of our peoples, among which we highlight: the deterioration of democratic institutions, an economic model that favors the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few, legislative decisions in conflict with moral values, the different expressions of violence that threaten human dignity and peaceful coexistence. Faced with the urgency of these challenges, we want to renew our commitment to continue with the Continental Mission, in solidarity with those who suffer the most, as Jesus taught and Pope Francis reminds us, " reads the text sent to Fides.America lives the Continental Mission as a great challenge and this is why the document concludes in this way: "In today's world, in order to evangelize effectively, we must give priority to gestures."

AMERICA/BRAZIL - "Repression against indigenous peoples has become a systematic practice", denounces the CIMI

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Mato Grosso - The Indigenous Missionary Council , issued a statement on May 20 in which it denounced the "illegal and authoritarian" manner with which the missionaries and staff of CIMI were treated by the Federal Police in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, in the municipality of Sidrolândia, during the clearing operations of the Buriti farm, occupied by indigenous people since 15 May.The statement recalls similar events in which the police expelled journalists or members of CIMI, as in the case of the hydroelectric plant of Belo Monte."In Brazil, more and more often, the police assumes the role of political interlocutor in land conflicts and violations of the rights of indigenous peoples. What is happening is the militarization of conflicts linked to the struggle for indigenous rights. Institutionalization of this practice is a brutal attack against a journalist, against the freedom of social organizations and, even more, against the established democratic relations and law in our society.We denounce this act of unjustified, arbitrary and illegal censorship," said the statement sent to Fides.

AFRICA/CONGO - Appointment of National the Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Vatican City - Cardinal Fernando Filoni, Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, on March 8, 2013 confirmed Rev.. Fr. Yvon B. Mabandza, of the clergy of the Archdiocese of Brazzaville as National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Congo for the five-year period 14/04/2012 – 13/04/2017.

AFRICA/NIGERIA - The Bishops: "Nigeria now almost totters on the brink. Prayer is essential to restore peace"

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Abuja – The Bishops of the Catholic Church in Nigeria have warned against the granting of blanket amnesty to members of the Boko Haram terrorist group describing such an act as an "endorsement of criminality". They however support the granting of amnesty premised on equity and justice. The position of the bishops was made known by the President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria, Most Rev. Ignatius Ayau Kaigama, Archbishop of Jos during a press conference. The statement titled "To rescue Nigeria from collapse" highlights that "genuine amnesty should mean offering pardon to the repentant militants and nor appeasing criminals and their sponsors to stay calm."The Bishops, on the one hand hope that the state of emergency declared in the three states of north-eastern Nigeria can "achieve the desired objectives," the Bishops also urged the government to continue "to explore the most effective means of dialogue with a view to restoring our country to normalcy."Tracing the genesis of the Boko Haram crisis in the country, the Bishops noted: "what started as a mere clash between law enforcement agencies and members of the Islamic sect Boko Haram has since spiraled into what can be best described as a low intensity war especially in some northern states of the country." They alerted: Taken together with a range of other crisi in other parts of the country such as armed robbery, kidnapping, communal clashes, Nigeria now almost totters on the brink.""Sadly, the entire apparatus of state security seems totally overwhelmed by the agents of darkness," remarked the statement.Suggesting the way out, the Bishops, amongst other things, stressed the importance of prayer, "indispensable means for restoring the country to normalcy."

ASIA/IRAN - No to worship in the Persian language: a Christian Pastor arrested, the church risks closure

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Tehran - The Christian Pastor, Robert Asserian, of the Protestant denomination "Assembly of God" was arrested yesterday in Tehran during a prayer meeting in his church. As reported to Fides by the NGO "Christian Solidarity Worldwide" , the church could be forced to close by the end of June.The security forces broke into Rev. Asserian’s home and confiscated some of his personal effects, such as computer and books. They then went to the church and arrested the Pastor who was leading a prayer meeting. The Christian community had already denounced in recent months intimidation by the security forces.Pressure on Iranian Christians has intensified in recent years, especially towards communities such as the "Assembly of God", offers services of worship in "farsi" . Already in 2009 the ban was imposed to hold liturgies in Persian on Friday, while the authorization remains in force for Sunday. The authorities have now ordered to stop the worship in "farsi" even on Sunday, leaving the possibility to celebrate in Armenian. The ban on the use of the Persian language comes from fears that Iranian Muslim citizens can convert to Christianity.According to the latest report of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, Iran is among the nations where there are the most serious violations of religious freedom such as "systematic abuse on non-Muslim believers, acts of torture, prolonged detention without charges, disappearances".

AFRICA/TANZANIA - "The Church is object of persecution but the government does not intervene"

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Dar es Salaam - The recent attack carried out during the inauguration of the parish of St. Joseph the Worker in Arusha is only the latest in a series of acts of persecution against Christians in Tanzania. This was denounced by His Exc. Mgr. Tarcisius Ngalalekumwta, Bishop of Iringa and President of the Episcopal Conference of Tanzania, during the homily at the funeral of the three victims of the attack. In his speech he stresses how such barbaric acts are considered wild, shameful and unworthy of our Country. In addition, there have been intimidation against the Church and its leaders through publications, brochures, magazines, DVD, CD, radio. Threats which were followed by the burning of churches, attacks and assassinations against leaders of the Church."In February Fr. Evarist Mushi was killed in Zanzibar, while at Christmas another Catholic priest, Ambrose Mkenda had been seriously wounded in an ambush. In addition, some Christian churches were looted.Mgr. Ngalalekumwta denounces in particular the violent propaganda by some extremist Muslim leaders against the Church, recalling for example the meeting held on January 15, 2011 by a group of Islam believers at the Diamond Jubilee Hall in Dar es Salaam, during which it was stated that Tanzania is "governed in a Christian way." This group also asked for the closure of the local Nunciature. "Their goal, according to their statements and their publications, is to eradicate Christianity," says Mgr. Ngalalekumwta"What is really sad for us, is that our government has never condemned the claims and accusations of those people, nor arrested them" said the President of the Episcopal Conference.Mgr. Ngalalekumwta after pointing out that extremists do not represent the majority of Tanzanian Muslims, concludes by pointing out that the process of nation-building is based on feelings of "peace, love, unity and solidarity that we have inherited from the founding fathers of the nation".

ASIA/JORDAN - March of prayer for the Syrian bishops kidnapped. "May the Almighty safeguard the stability in the Hashemite Kingdom"

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Amman - More than two thousand people crossed Amman yesterday evening with candles in their hand to pray for the release of the bishops and priests kidnapped in Syria and ask for the gift of peace throughout the Middle East. The march of prayer started from the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple until the Syriac Orthodox Church of St. Ephrem, passing by the Catholic church of St Mary of Nazareth, at the Latin Vicariate.The march with candles, convened one month after the kidnapping of two bishops of Aleppo - Syrian Orthodox Metropolitan Mar Gregorios Yohanna Ibrahim and the Greek Orthodox Boulos al-Yazigi, kidnapped on April 22 - was led by heads and representatives of Churches and ecclesial communities present in Jordan. Upon arrival in the Syriac Orthodox Cathedral, Archbishop Maroun Laham - Patriarchal Vicar for Jordan of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem - read a statement signed by all the bishops and heads of Churches and local ecclesial communities in which the firm condemnation of the kidnapping of "two of the most significant Arab Christian personalities of our time" was expressed and we pray "the Lord Almighty for tranquility and stability in beloved Syria." In their appeal, the Christian leaders also called for "respect of the Holy Places in Palestine, especially in East Jerusalem" and invoked the Almighty to "bless the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and safeguard the gift of stability, security and the precious national unity under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein " "We prayed so that Jordan is not plagued by conflicts that are causing suffering to the peoples of neighboring countries," says to Fides Agency Archbishop Maroun Lahham. .