Archbishop's death could 'force Iraqi church underground'
By staff writers
14 Mar 2008

The news that Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho in Iraq has been killed could force the Church underground, say Iraqi Christians in Need (ICIN).

The Chaldean Catholic archbishop was kidnapped on February 29 soon after he left Mass in Mosul. Three people who had been with him were killed by the kidnappers.

The Archbishop of Canterbury and the Pope were amongst those who made public pleas for his safety, but his body was found yesterday.

Bishop Crispian Hollis, the Catholic Bishop of Portsmouth said yesterday: "I join with all those in Iraq and elsewhere who mourn for the Archbishop. Archbishop Rahho’s abduction and death represents the latest blow against a Christian community that is undergoing an ordeal by persecution and my prayers and thoughts are with Iraq’s Christians, particularly in Mosul, as they struggle to live in faith." the rest

Death Comes for an Iraqi Archbishop

The blood tribute of the diocese of Mosul

Added 2:20 pm: POPE WILL PRESIDE MASS FOR SLAIN BISHOP