Iraq

She was a protagonist of the Churches rebirth before and after the Second Vatican Council. Her movement is committed to inter-religious and ecumenical dialogue on a global scale.

Memories of the founder of the Focolare movement, in the words of a PIME missionary. The missionary impulse of the Work of Mary now counts two million members in more than 180 countries. These even include personalities from other religions. In spite of the apparent contradictions, the Love of God builds human history. The "Promised Land" of China.

AsiaNews speaks to the faithful about archbishop Rahho who was found dead yesterday. Fears are growing that the community might cease to exist. Iraqi police blame al-Qaeda for the murder. Islamist terrorists plan to run Christians out of the country.

Bishop of Arbil: "A heavy Cross for our Church, ahead of Easter". The cause of death is still unknown. The pope's expression of sorrow.

Telegram from Benedict XVI to the Chaldean patriarchate: "decisive condemnation" of the killing of a "zealous pastor". A brief profile of the archbishop of Mosul.

With the killing of Archbishop Rahho, the Sunni stronghold confirms its place as the most dangerous area for the Christian community. According to an autopsy, the bishop has been dead for five days. In 2007 alone, 47 Christians were killed in Iraq.

US and Iraqi forces involved in the area stress that both security and a political solution are needed. The city is considered al-Qaeda’s last urban stronghold. Terrorism affects every area of the city, drawing support among residents tired of inhuman living conditions, playing on the city’s ethnic and religious cleavages. The situation raises concerns about the fate of Bishop Rahho who was abducted on 29 February.

The appeal was launched by the Archbishop of Kirkuk, 12 days on from Msgr. Rahoo’s abduction. To the Bishops and Christians of the world: “do not remain indifferent to this suffering, do not leave us alone to face this trial”. Amid increased fears, today in Kirkuk 15 Muslim leaders ask once again that the prelate be released.

A week since Mgr Rahho was abducted no assurance on his health has been given. In the latest phone contact made last night kidnappers did not allow mediators to talk with the prelate. A Via Crucis around Kirkuk cathedral will be conducted today for his release.

A telephone call is expected this evening, in which the mediators will demand to "hear the voice" of Archbishop Rahho. Concern is increasing, and a U.S. commander advances the theory that terrorism may be behind the kidnapping. Masses and prayers in Rome and Damascus for the "three martyrs" and for the safety of the prelate.

Visit by Iraqi leader comes a week after Turkey ends incursion into Iraqi Kurdistan. The issue is expected to dominate talks between the two countries. Meanwhile economic and trade ties are growing.

Yesterday evening, another telephone call, increasing the ransom and dictating conditions which “complicate the case”. Still no guarantees on the “wellbeing” of the bishop, abducted on February 29th. These latest developments raise fears that these are no ordinary criminals interested solely in money. Iraq’s premier sends a message to the Chaldean Patriarch.