Pope Saddened by the Killing of Iraqi Priest

(05 April 08-RV) Pope Benedict the XVI has sent his condolonces to Syrian Orthodox Archbishop of Baghdad, Mar Saverius Jamil Hawa on the death of the Reverend Yousef Adel Abudi who was shot dead today by gunmen in the Iraqi capital Baghdad. In a telegram, Cardinal Secretary of State, Tarcisio Bertone said the Holy Father was saddened to learn of the priest’s tragic death. The Pope also offered his heartfelt condolences to Reverend Yousef’s wife and family and assured Archbishop Jamil Hawa and the priests and the religious of the Archdiocese of his closeness in prayer. The Holy Father also prayed that all people would follow the ways of peace in order to build a just and tolerant society in Iraq. The attack on Reverend Yousef who was a member of the Syrian Orthodox Church was the latest attack on Christians in the country.The priest, was gunned down near his home in central Baghdad's Karrada district. His death follows that of Chaldean Archbishop of Mosul Paulos Farraj Rahho and other attacks on Christians in recent months...