Ankara, Turkey, Jun 3, 2010 / 08:15 am
Bishop Luigi Padovese, Apostolic Vicar of Anatolia, was reportedly stabbed to death in Iskendurun, Turkey on Thursday by his driver, who also served as his aide.
According to Italy's ANSA news agency, Turkish police have detained the alleged killer and have not yet established a motive.
Apostolic Nuncio to Turkey, Archbishop Antonio Lucibello told the news agency that "from what I've learned, Bishop Padovese's driver, Murat, admitted his responsibility. It's strange because I've always seen this man as a very devoted person to Padovese and always obliging."
Fr. Federico Lombardi said through Vatican Radio that the "terrible" news of the loss of the president of Turkish bishops "leaves us deeply shocked" and "desperately sorry."