Pope Launches Appeals for Iraq, Mideast Peace and the Defence of Childhood

(02 Mar 08 - RV) The fate of Chaldean Catholic Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho, kidnapped in Iraq, the spiral of deaths in renewed fighting in the Holy Land and the defence of childhood in the aftermath of chilling events in Italy, were chief among Pope Benedict XVI’s concerns this Sunday, as he launched three separate appeals at the end of the midday Angelus prayer.

Speaking to a crowded St Peter’s Square from the window of the Papal apartments the Pope turned first to Iraq, where Friday last the Chaldean Catholic Archbishop of Mosul was abducted and his driver and body guards ruthlessly killed by masked gunmen.

The Holy Father called on the abductors to free the 65 year old Archbishop, who the Pope noted is in poor health. He said his prayers were offered in suffrage for the souls of the three young family men who were with him at the time of his abduction. The Pope also expressed his spiritual closeness to the entire Church in Iraq, particularly the Chaldean Church, which he said “has once again been so harshly targeted”. Pope Benedict encouraged both Pastors and faithful to “remain strong and anchored to hope”, urging all those who hold the fate of the Iraqi people in their hands to “redouble their efforts so that lasting security and peace are found, and that no one is denied their right to a future”.

Pope Benedict XVI’s thoughts then turned to the Holy Land where renewed fighting between Israelis and Palestinians have left over 60 people dead, among them many civilians and children.
The Pope appealed to Israeli and Palestinian authorities to “end this cycle of violence, unilaterally,
unconditionally”. “Only by showing absolute respect for human life, even that of the enemy, will it be possible to hope for a future of peace and coexistence for the young generations of these two people”.

The Holy Fathers final appeal was he said “a cry in favour of childhood”. The Pope was referring to a recent episode which has shocked the entire nation of Italy. In a tragic epilogue to the case of two missing brothers, familiarly known as Ciccio and Tore, their broken bodies were found this week lying one beside the other at the bottom of a 25 metre shaft, in an abandoned warehouse. The two boys, aged 11 and 13 at the time of their disappearance, had been missing for over 20 months.

In a passionate appeal Pope Benedict XVI said: “We must take care of our children! I say this not only to parents but to institutions too. In launching this appeal my thoughts go out to the children of the world, above all to children who are defenceless, exploited and abused. I entrust each and every child to the sacred heart of Jesus who said: “Let the children come unto me!”(Lk 18,16).

The Holy Fathers appeals concluded his Angelus dedicated to reflections on the Sunday Gospel, marking the fourth Sunday of Lent.

“In today’s Gospel, we encounter Jesus, the light of the world, who cures the man born blind. By opening our eyes to faith, to the light that comes from God, Jesus continues to cure us from the darkness of confusion and sin present in this world. May his light always purify our hearts and renew our Christian love as we journey with him to Eternal Life. I wish you all a pleasant stay in Rome, and a blessed Sunday!”.