Iraq

Father Hani was taken on his way to the capital’s minor seminar. Five boys were abducted with him. Christians are plunged into a state of gloom.

Politicized groups are pushing for the creation of an “Assyrian region” in the country’s north, on the border with Kurdistan. To this end, they are exploiting the anti-Christian persecution to confirm the urgency of carrying out their plan. A project being called for by those who know little of the situation in Iraq, it may be on the agenda for meetings between Bush and the Vatican.

This was the invitation of the Archbishop of Kirkuk, Msgr Sako, present yesterday at the funeral of the Chaldean priest and three sub-deacons, murdered two days ago in Mosul. Thousands gathered for the burial concelebrated by Patriarch Delly and the Leaders of the country’s Catholic community, who thanked the Pope for his expressions of solidarity. Fears rise that these deaths may be manipulated to hasten the creation of the “dangerous” autonomous Christian region in the Niniveh Plain.

Patriarch Emmanuel III Delly together with all of the Chaldean bishops condemn this barbarous murder of the priest and his three deacons, massacred yesterday in Mosul after Sunday Mass: “A horrible crime against God and humanity , may these martyrs find eternal rest”. This afternoon the funerals will be held in Karamles. New information comes to light surrounding the murders.

Benedict XVI expresses his sorrow and “heartfelt” condolences for the death of the Chaldean priest and three subdeacons. AsiaNews remembers a friend who died thinking until the end that peace was possible in his country. Fr Ragheed is a martyr for a free Iraq, witness to an unshakable faith, which bombs and threats could not weaken.

Fr Ragheed Ganni, 34, was hit by gunfire in front of the Church of the Holy Spirit. Three deacons, who served as his aides, were also killed.

It took place yesterday in Dora quarter; in a convent of the Chaldean sisters of the Sacred Heart. Local sources tell AsiaNews that Shiite groups are suspected, as they mimic the fierce Sunni campaign of persecution against Christians in the capital. Today the first session of the Chaldean Church Synod opens in al Qosh.

The meeting of Church leaders and Diaspora will focus on the conditions of the community, halved by a harsh campaign of persecution throughout the country. The Vatican’s Nuncio, Msgr. Chullikat will also be present in al Qosh. Yesterday over 1000 Iraqi emigrants along with Swedish parliamentarians took to the streets of Stockholm demanding greater protection and respect for the Christians of all denominations in Iraq.

following in the footsteps of radical Sunnis, Shiites begin to persecute Christians. A letter is circulating the capital signed by al-Sadr militants announcing that special committees have been set up to insure Islamic behaviour. Russia guarantees that “pressure” will be brought to bear on the Iraqi authority and its international partners to insure respect for Christians. This afternoon the Iraqi Diaspora takes to the streets of Stockholm.

The government, army and population are ever more united in their fight against Kurdish terrorism, but also in their efforts to impede the autonomous region gaining control of Kirkuk’s oil.

The House of Representatives and Senate vote in favour follows a deal with the White House forcing the democrats to remove all references to a troop withdrawal date in order to avoid the threat of a presidential veto. Bush warns: “The next months are vital for the security strategy”.

In an official statement the Iraqi cabinet pledges protection to Christian families persecuted by Islamic extremists and condemns all violence perpetrated against the Christian community. Christians in Iraq welcome favourably the government’s statement, but call for “concrete steps”. Muslim religious leaders speak out in defence of their “Christian brothers”.