Pope Benedict XVI prayed for Christians suffering from persecution
and discrimination throughout the world, especially those in Iraq,
during the Angelus on Nov. 21.
The Italian bishops invited the faithful to a day of prayer for the
persecuted and for their persecutors after the Oct. 31 massacre of
dozens of Iraqi Christians celebrating Mass in a Baghdad cathedral.
Violence continues to be directed against the country's Christian
minorities.
The day of prayer was promoted as a sign of closeness and solidarity
to Iraqi Christians and all those persecuted for their faith.
"I join this choral invocation to the God of life and peace, so that
in every part of the world religious freedom might be assured to all,"
said Pope Benedict. He expressed closeness to those in Iraq "for the
great testimony of faith that they render to God."
Pope Benedict XVI has expressed his concern for Iraqi Christians on
other occasions, especially recently when he called the violence
"absurd."
It is an important theme in the Church today.
Cardinals who are in
Rome for the consistory to welcome their 24 newest members discussed
religious freedom during closed-door meetings on Nov. 19.
An estimated 60,000 people were present for the Angelus prayer, which
closely followed a Mass to celebrate the reception of the newest
cardinals.
Each received a ring as a sign of the dignity of the
cardinal, a reminder of his commitment to spreading the word of God and
of his communion with the Successor of Peter, the Pope.
SIC: CNA/INT'L