Murder of Archbishop condemned

I am shocked and saddened by the murder of Chaldean Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho of Mosul last week. Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho was a highly respect community leader of great hope and integrity. He was committed to providing assistance to the poor and the needy so that they could acquire a dignified life, said the Ambassador of Iraq to Canada, Howar Ziad. “I add my voice to those of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, His Most Eminent Beatitude Patriarch Mar Emmanuel III Cardinal Delly of the Chaldean Church, the members of the Canadian-Iraqi Christian community and of all Iraqis in mourning for this inspiring man. I join with them in denouncing this cowardly act against a man of faith."

Ambassador Ziad said “President Talabani and Prime Minister Al-Maliki have made it clear in the strongest terms that the Archbishop’s murder will not go unpunished and every necessary step will be pursued to find the terrorists who committed this heinous crime. At the same time, they have reaffirmed Iraqi government’s determination to take measures to provide security for the Christian community in Iraq. This ancient community of Iraq has been targeted by the terrorists in an attempt to impose their intolerant and ruthless jihadist agenda on the Iraqi people. It is part and parcel of the attempt by Al Qaeda and the remnants of Saddam’s regime to eradicate pluralism in Iraq.”

“Archbishop Rahho leaves a stellar legacy of outstanding dedication: he founded the new parish of St. Paul in Mosul, started a ‘Youth Week’ in his diocese, and founded the Fraternity of Charity and Joy.”

“The campaign of intimidation against the Christian community will not succeed in Iraq. I call upon the international community to add its solidarity with the just struggle of the people of Iraq against the terrorists and their enablers” added Ambassador Ziad.