Mosul, Iraq, Jun 4, 2007 / 07:44 am
The senseless campaign against Christians in Iraq has claimed yet another group of victims. Yesterday morning Fr. Ragheed Aziz Ganni was shot and killed in Mosul along with three sub-deacons after they had finished celebrating Mass. The names of those murdered are: Fr. Ragheed Aziz Ganni and sub-deacons Basman Yousef Daoud, Ghasan Bidawid and Wadid Hanna.
The Holy Father sent his prayers and condolences to the families of those killed by the terrorists saying, “[I] willingly join[s]the Christian community in Mosul in commending their souls to the infinite mercy of God our loving Father and in giving thanks for their selfless witness to the Gospel.”
Benedict called people to be inspired by the example of the martyrs and, “reject the ways of hatred and violence, to conquer evil with good and to cooperate in hastening the dawn of reconciliation, justice and peace in Iraq.”
Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has also reported that it received a letter from Fr. Ganni written just four days before he was killed.