The president of the Pontifical Council for Inter-Religious Dialogue
met with Pakistani President Ali Zardari on Nov. 25 to discuss the case
of Asia Bibi.
Asia Bibi, a 45-year-old mother of four, was convicted of blasphemy
against the prophet Muhammad and sentenced to death by hanging in the
town of Sheikhupura, near the capital city, Lahore.
Bibi has stated that she is being persecuted for defending her faith
to Muslim co-workers who claimed that Christianity was a "false
religion." She was jailed days later, brought to trial and convicted for
blasphemy.
The meeting between Cardinal Tauran and President Zardari, as well as
the country's Minister for Religious Minorities, Shahbaz Bhatti had
already been on the calendar but the events surrounding Bibi provided
greater relevance to their discussions, reported Vatican Radio.
Cardinal Tauran celebrated Mass Nov. 26 at the Cathedral of
Rawalpindi and expressed Pope Benedict XVI’s solidarity with the local
Catholic community.
The next day, he met with Pakistani bishops in
Lahore and attended a conference on inter-religious dialogue.
Vatican Radio also reported that the Pakistani Parliament is
considering a proposal to punish blasphemy with five years in prison
rather than with the death penalty.
That idea has been met with
rejection by Muslim extremists who also argue that President Zadari does
not have the power to grant a pardon to Bibi.
SIC: CNA/INT'L
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