Asia Bibi Asks for “an Easter of Peace and Forgiveness”

La Stampa-Vatican Insider ^ | 4/4/15 | Paolo Affatato

[marshmallow]

The Christian woman who is in prison in Pakistan on charges of blasphemy sent a prayer request to the Pope. Meanwhile, the government has revoked the moratorium on the death penalty

“At Easter, Jesus Christ gives us an example of peace and forgiveness. All of us must learn from the teaching and sacrifice of Christ who was crucified for us and who forgave all those who harmed him. On this special day I ask Christians in Pakistan to live and pray for peace.” There is suffering but peace too in the words which Asia Bibi, the Christian mother sentenced to death in Pakistan for allegedly committing blasphemy, pronounced this Easter.

Her husband, Ashiq and Joseph Nadeem, director of Lahore’s Reinassance Education Foundation – the body which is providing legal assistance to Asia and support to her family –met her Thursday to celebrate a brief moment of prayer ahead of Easter. “Asia is ok both physically and mentally,” Nadeem said in a statement to Vatican Insider. “She spends her days between pain and hope, a hope rooted in Christ which does not abandon her.”

Commenting on his visit to the prison in Multan where Asia is being held, Nadeem said: “Asia seemed very worried after the attacks on the church in Youhanabad, she was especially concerned for her family. She asked us at the Foundation to guarantee her husband and children’s safety. We are doing all that we can.”

Pope Francis’ is always in Asia’s mind: “I ask the Pope to send out a special prayer for peace in the world and for me,” she said feeling moved. Asia is spending Easter clinging onto the Word of God and to prayer, Praying and hoping for a resurrection, which in her case – a convicted innocent woman – means freedom.

[Mrs. Don-o]

Asia Bibi, Christian, sentenced to death in Pakistan
on false charged of blasphemy