IRAQ

Mosul (AsiaNews) – Mgr Faraj Raho, Chaldean bishop of Mosul, was abducted today after he celebrated the Via Crucis. Three people who were with him were killed. Mgr Rabban al-Qas, bishop of Arbil, told AsiaNews about the event after getting the news directly from Mosul.

The kidnappers are said to have already made a request. The abduction took place at 5.30 pm local time, Ishtar TV reported. Bishop Raho had just left Mosul’s Holy Spirit Cathedral.

“The bishop is in terrorist hands,” Mgr al-Qas said, “but we don’t know in what physical state. The three men who were with him, including his driver, were killed.”

“It is a terrible moment for our Church. Please, pray for us,” Arbil bishop said in an appeal to the world.