Baghdad, Iraq, Apr 7, 2008 / 09:45 am (CNA).- Saturday saw more violence against Christians in Iraq, as an Assyrian Orthodox priest was gunned down outside of his house. Pope Benedict expressed his “profound sorrow” upon hearing of the killing, which is the latest in a string of attacks Christians.

Yesterday 300 mourners gathered in central Baghdad for the funeral of Father Youssed Adel. The crowd, which was led by the slain priest’s wife Lamia, was accompanied by heavy security. 

In a telegram, sent via the apostolic nunciature to Iraq to the Syrian Orthodox Archbishop Mar Saverius Jamil Hawa, Pope Benedict expressed his deep sadness at the death of Fr. Yousef Adel Abudi and assured “Your Eminence, the priests and the religious of the archdiocese of his closeness in prayer.”

The Pontiff also prayed “that all people will follow the ways of peace in order to build a just and tolerant society in the beloved land of Iraq".

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