Catholic bishops in the U.S. expressed their solidarity with Iraqi
Christians after Islamic militants stormed a cathedral in Baghdad,
killing more than 50 faithful and wounding over 70.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) also said that the
United States has “failed” to safeguard Christians in Iraq and stressed
the moral obligation the U.S. has to protect the human rights of those
within the country.
On Oct. 31, gunmen linked to al Qaeda took over 120 faithful hostage
at the Syriac Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of Salvation during Mass,
demanding that the Coptic Church of Egypt release the wife of one of its
priests, whom the extremists claim voluntarily converted to Islam and
was locked up by the Church.
After the Iraqi military raided the church to free the hostages, over
50 people, including 3 priests, were killed.
Vatican Radio reported
that between 70 and 80 people are seriously wounded from the attack,
many of them women and children.
Pope Benedict lamented the disaster after he prayed the Angelus on
Nov. 1. He condemned the “savage” attack and offered prayers for the
victims.
Cardinal Francis George, president of the USCCB, said on Tuesday that
the incident has “shocked and horrified” the Catholic community.
“We join Pope Benedict XVI in expressing our profound sorrow at this
savage violence and offer our heartfelt prayers for the victims, their
families, and the Church and people of Iraq,” Cardinal George said in a
statement Nov. 2.
Referring to the recent synod of bishops on the Church in the Middle
East, the prelate recalled that “bishops from Iraq spoke of the perilous
situation facing Christians and other minorities in that country,”
which included human rights violations such as “kidnappings for ransom;
bombings of churches, schools, and other property occupied by
Christians; threats to Christian-run businesses and livelihoods; and the
death of Archbishop Rahho and other priests following kidnappings.”
“Together with this most recent murderous attack, this pattern points
to an appalling lack of basic security. Many Christians have been
forced to leave their homes or have fled abroad in search of safety.
Many have little hope of return to Iraq in the near future.”
“The United States bears responsibility for working effectively with
the Iraqi government to stem the violence,” he underscored. “Our
Conference of Bishops raised grave moral questions prior to the United
States military intervention in Iraq and then called for a ‘responsible
transition.’”
“While we welcomed the end of U.S.-led combat in Iraq, we share the
Iraqi bishops’ concern that the United States failed to help Iraqis in
finding the political will and concrete ways needed to protect the lives
of all citizens, especially Christians and other vulnerable minorities,
and to ensure that refugees and displaced persons are able to return to
their homes safely,” Cardinal George wrote.
“Having invaded Iraq, the U.S. government has a moral obligation not
to abandon those Iraqis who cannot defend themselves,” he stressed.
“We offer our prayers and solidarity with the suffering Christians of
Iraq at this terrible time of loss and horrific violence. We stand with
the bishops, Church and people of Iraq in their urgent search for
greater security, freedom and protection. We call upon the United States
to take additional steps to help Iraq protect its citizens, especially
the most vulnerable.”
SIC: CNA/USA-INT'L