Church officials dismiss rumors that kidnapped priest will be crucified

[rug]

Posted in World News, on March 22nd, 2016
BY CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

COCHIN, India (CNS) — Church officials dismissed as rumors social media messages that said an Indian Salesian priest kidnapped by suspected Islamic terrorists in Yemen March 4 is being tortured and will be crucified on Good Friday.

“We have absolutely no information” on Father Tom Uzhunnalil, said Father Mathew Valarkot, spokesman for the Salesians’ Bangalore province, to which the kidnapped priest belongs. His remarks were reported by ucanews.com.

Suspected Islamic terrorists took away the priest after they attacked a home for the elderly operated by the Missionaries of Charity in Aden and gunned down some 16 people, including four nuns.

Vatican diplomats also are working to locate the priest and secure his release, ucanews.com reported. Father Valarkot said the Salesians have been pressuring the government for answers.

http://catholicphilly.com/2016/03/news/world-news/church-officials-dismiss-rumors-that-kidnapped-priest-will-be-crucified/

Geez. I hope they're right.

[CBHagman]

1. Thank you for posting this, rug.

I'm reading conflicting reports, but nothing has been confirmed yet.

Just a few days ago a priest I know posted a message on social media about two colleagues who had been killed in South America while he was serving there. I think people forget how much danger clergy and religious can face in areas where there are dirty wars, human rights violations, etc.

[rug]

2. To top it off, he was taken from a norsing home where he worked.

[CBHagman]

3. Yes, even more disgusting.

Targeting the nuns and others who serve the vulnerable -- unthinkable, or so we would hope.

[shrike]

4. Clergy have been murdered in Mexico by the cartels

Don't recall how many, very little coverage of it in this country. Yes, lots of danger for clergy and religious.