Rome, Italy, Mar 11, 2011 / 13:21 pm
Pope Benedict XVI expressed his concern for the protection of human dignity and religious freedom again this week as Pakistani Catholics recalled the legacy of murdered government minister Shahbaz Bhatti.
Father Shahzad Niamat, a Pakistani priest, was among the parish priests of the Diocese of Rome present for a traditional Lenten audience with Pope Benedict on March 10. He represented the Pakistani clergy and religious in the diocese as he spoke briefly with the Pope to inform him of their situation.
“We explained to the Pope the situation of Christians in Pakistan, where to witness to the faith can sometimes lead to death,” Fr. Niamat told Fides news.
“The Holy Father seemed very concerned,” he said. “He expressed his solidarity and his support and assured us of his prayers.”