Pope recalls Pakistan’s slain minister, Bhatti and Libyan crisis

(March 07, 2011) Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday remembered “the moving sacrifice of life” of Pakistani Catholic Minister Shahbaz Bhatti, who was assassinated on Wednesday for campaigning against the abuse of the country’s blasphemy laws. Islamic extremists sprayed the 42-year old Minister for Minorities with bullets in Islamabad as he was returning in his car after visiting his mother. The Pope recalled developments in Asia and Africa while addressing a large crowd that had gathered in Rome’s St. Peter’s Square to recite the weekly midday ‘Angelus’ prayer with him. “I call on Lord Jesus that the moving sacrifice of the life of Pakistani Minister Shahbaz Bhatti may rekindle in people the courage and commitment to protect religious freedom for all mankind and in this way also promote equal dignity for all,” the Holy Father said. Pope Benedict had met Shahbaz Bhatti at the Vatican last year. The Holy Father also expressed concern over Libya, where he said “recent clashes have led to many deaths and a growing humanitarian crisis.” “To all the victims and those who find themselves in anxious situations, I assure my prayer and closeness, as I call for assistance and rescue for the people affected,” the Pope said. Earlier, commenting on Sunday’s Gospel, Pope Benedict urged all to build their life on the solid rock of Christ and not on power, success and money. He said only Christ can fulfil the irrepressible desire for happiness and completeness that man carries in his soul, without fear of adversity, difficulty or hardship.