Destruction of Christian shrines
Brought to you by the Allies of Wesley Clark
Posted on 01/04/2004 12:56:40 AM PST by Destro
POPE: A PRAY FOR PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS
(AGI) - Vatican City, Dec. 26 - The day of the celebration of Saint Stephen, Church's first martyr, "stoned on false accusations", John Paul II whished to especially recall "persecuted Christian Communities and those believers suffering because of their faith". "Our Lord - the Pope said during the traditional Angelus today - may give them the strength to persevere and the capacity to love also who made them suffer." Only one week ago the Pope, who seemed to be tired by the Christmas engagements, had encouraged Sudan's Christian Communities, which are harshly persecuted. Islamic countries where Christians are persecuted, in fact, are many: in Saudi Arabia, immigrants from the Philippines cannot participate to Christmas liturgies. Further, also Christian communities in traditionally more tolerant countries are at risk, starting from Iraq, where instability after the war increased the unease of the Christian minority. Serious episodes of intolerance recently happened also in Turkey and in Egypt. John Paul II also mentioned China, where in spite of the adoption by the regime of more liberal economic policies, archbishops and priests are still paying a high cost for their loyalty to the Holy See. "Mary, Queen of Martyrs - the Pope prayed - may help us to be martyrs ourselves, that is witnesses of Jesus' love."(AGI) 261439 DIC 03
Destruction of Christian shrines
Brought to you by the Allies of Wesley Clark
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