Nelson, Canada, Jun 5, 2010 / 05:54 am
A friend of 30 years described Bishop Luigi Padovese, who was recently murdered in Turkey, as a scholarly man with “big heart” and a “passion” for his ministry within the country.
In an exclusive interview with CNA, Bishop John Corriveau of British Columbia recalled the life and work of the late Italian prelate and also warned against overgeneralizing the tensions between Christians and Muslims in the Middle East, saying that the situation varies in each country.
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. The accused is said to be Muslim.
Bishop John Corriveau of Nelson, British Columbia, remembered his brother bishop as “a scholarly man” with a “particular passion” and devotion to Turkey, “the land of St. Paul.”