Meriam Ibrahim arrives safely in Italy, meets Pope Francis

CatholicWorldReport.com ^ | July 24, 2014 | Catherine Harmon

[Salvation]

Meriam Ibrahim arrives safely in Italy, meets Pope Francis

 

July 24, 2014 08:17 EST

By Catherine Harmon

Meriam Ibrahim and her family meet with Pope Francis at the Casa Santa Marta July 24 (photo via Vatican Radio).

The Sudanese Christian woman who was imprisoned and sentenced to death for apostasy arrived safely in Italy today with her husband and two young children, and met with Pope Francis at his Casa Santa Marta residence, Vatican Radio reports.

Ibrahim was sentenced to death in May for converting from Islam and marrying a Christian. She gave birth to her second child while imprisoned and, while her apostasy sentence was overturned in June, was unable to leave Sudan for more than a month due to charges that she “falsified” travel documents.

Ibrahim and her family arrived in Italy today and was greeted at Rome’s Ciampino airport by Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, according to Reuters.

Vatican Radio has more on Ibrahim’s meeting with Pope Francis:

During the meeting, she was accompanied by her family: husband Daniel Wani,  Martin (a year and a half), and Maya, born in prison two months ago.

Her family was accompanied by the Italian Deputy Foreign Minister, Lapo Pistelli, who helped arrange her departure from Sudan and travelled with her to Italy.

The head of the Vatican Press Office, Father Federico Lombardi, SJ, said the meeting took place in a “very serene and affectionate” environment, and Pope Francis thanked Meriam for her "courageous witness to perseverance in the Faith."

Fr. Lombardi said Meriam thanked the Pope for his prayers, saying they provided great support and encouragement. …

Fr. Lombardi said Pope Francis met with Meriam’s family to show “his closeness, concern and prayers” for all those who suffer for their faith, and especially for Christians who suffer persecution or restrictions on their religious freedom.

Meriam and her family will settle in the United States.

[Salvation]

Glory to God in the Highest!

PS. There are more pictures out there....please post them.

[Salvation]

Catholic Good News Ping!

[Mrs. Don-o]

Praise God!

[MichaelCorleone]

Glory to God is right!

Welcome to the United States, Meriam and family (when you get here). May your stay here be long, peaceful, and prosperous.

You have fought the good fight. You did not deny Jesus. Your reward will be great in Heaven. Very great.

[Biggirl]

Praise be to God!

[TexasBarak]

I’m glad to see this woman and her family finally safe. I’m infuriated that the Italian government had to step in and do what our government should have.

[Salvation]

Excellent point!

Her husband and son are U. S. citizens!

[pollywog]

Victory in Jesus Christ!!! PRAISES TO OUR FATHER!!

[Salvation]

[Farmer Dean]

Thank God she’s safe.No thanks going out to our government,which apparently didn’t lift a finger to help her.

[Organic Panic]

Finally a piece of good news.

I can use it.

[definitelynotaliberal]

Beautiful! Thank you.

[RedHeeler]

Hmmm...millions dead, yet this is victory, for the papal throne. How wonderful, to behold the majesty of such human grace.

[Fantasywriter]

Better the Italian gov. than no gov. Maybe an Italian diplomat can get our Marine in Mexico released?

What a beautiful scene, especially the one with Meriam holding precious baby Maya, & Francis blessing the little one. That photo will be cherished by this family for as long as they live.

[Irish Eyes]

Wonderful news. I am sure that obama is greatly saddened. Now maybe The Italian Government can bring our Marine back from Mexico.

[demshateGod]

Thank God. He’s is good even in dark times.

[demshateGod]

Thank God. He’s is good even in dark times.

[demshateGod]

I believe they did the same thing for an Afghan man.

[demshateGod]

I believe they did the same thing for an Afghan man.

[EDINVA]

We may never know what, if anything, the U.S. did. Lots of this has to do with diplomatic relations, who’s got better relations with the Islamic country, etc. I’m not inclined to believe BHO did much of anything, but am not sure what the USA could have done, given that our relationship with Sudan is not strong.