On Oct. 31, gunmen linked to al Qaeda took over 120 faithful hostage
at the Syriac Catholic Church of Our Lady of Salvation during Mass,
demanding the release of al Qaeda prisoners in
Iraq and Egypt.
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.
“I pray for the victims of this absurd violence, even more ferocious
in that it has been inflicted upon defenseless people gathered in God's
house, which is a house of love and reconciliation,” the Holy Father
said.
“I express my affectionate closeness to the Christian community, now
stricken again, and I encourage its pastors and faithful alike to be
strong and firm in hope.”
“Beyond these savage moments of violence, that continue to tear apart
the peoples of the Middle East, I would finally like to renew a
heartfelt appeal for peace: it is a gift of God, but it is also the
result of the efforts of men of good will, of national and international
institutions.”
“May everyone unite their strengths to end every act of violence!” the Pope urged.
Vatican Radio noted that the country's inability to form a solid
government after the March elections has opened up the possibility of
extremists gaining influence, resulting in mounting attacks on
Christians by Islamic militants.
Archbishop Georges Casmoussa, the Syriac Catholic Archbishop of Mosul
stressed that “what we are asking for, and we repeat this appeal, is
that our governors and the international community push to bring peace
to Iraq and push for the formation of a responsible government, so there
is some authority over the situation here in Iraq.”
Auxiliary Bishop of Baghdad of the Chaldeans, Shlemon Warduni, added
that “the Christian community no longer feels safe, not even in the
House of God, this attack will have a very negative influence on those
who until now had chosen to remain in Baghdad, with many saying they are
ready to leave.”
SIC: CNA/INT'L