MOSUL, Iraq, OCT. 18, 2007 (Zenit.org).- The Syro-Catholic Archbishop of Mosul has slammed Iraqi authorities for not having helped to release the two priests recently kidnapped in the country.
The two priests, Father Mazen Ishoa, 35, and Father Pius Afas, 60, were kidnapped on their way to celebrate Mass on Saturday at Our Lady of Fatima Parish Church in the al-Faisaliya neighborhood.
AsiaNews reported that Syro-Catholic Archbishop Basile Georges Casmoussa, who has been involved in the negotiations, told the Arabic-language Web site Ankawa.com that "not one single politician has called us just to express their solidarity. Not one step of any kind has been taken."
In addressing the Christian community, Archbishop Casmoussa called on its members "to continue praying, because we need peace." He added that "Iraqi Christians are loyal to their country and respectful of every group" who calls it home.
The unknown captors, who have demanded a $1 million ransom, set a payment deadline for this Saturday in a brief telephone call to Archbishop Casmoussa. He said to AsiaNews: "They told me that our priests are doing well, [but] the demand for payment remains unchanged.
"So far there have been no direct contacts with the two priests."
The archbishop urged everyone "not to stop praying. It is the only and best thing we can do."
ZE07101805 - 2007-10-18