Kidnapped Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho

Baghdad, Iraq, Mar 11, 2008 / 12:43 pm (CNA).- The Apostolic Nuncio to Iraq and Jordan, Archbishop Francis Assisi Chullikat, expressed his concern over the state of health of Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho, who was violently kidnapped on February 29.  He also pleaded for his quick release.

“While we are comforted by the solidarity of the authorities, we are very concerned.  We haven’t had any news for the last two or three days. We would like to at least hear his voice. We also fear that he was wounded during the bloody kidnapping,” Bishop Chullikat said, according to a report in L’Osservatore Romano.

The nuncio also noted that Archbishop Faraj Rahho “is ill.  Last year he underwent a delicate surgical procedure and needs medical attention.  Certainly he cannot endure a long captivity,” he said.

In Baghdad the signs of solidarity continue to appear. At the Latin-rite Catholic Cathedral, the leaders of the Christian churches in Iraq are praying together for the release of the archbishop.

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