Mosul, Iraq, Oct 12, 2006 / 22:00 pm
Relatives of an Orthodox priest in Iraq, who was kidnapped and found beheaded three days later, said Thursday that his death was linked with the recent violence spurred on by those who misinterpreted Pope Benedict's recent comments about Islam.
Family members said his captors had demanded that his church condemn the Pope's comments last month about Islam and pay a US$350,000 ransom, reported The Associated Press.
More than 500 people attended a memorial service Thursday for Fr. Amer Iskender in the northern city of Mosul. His decapitated body had been found the previous day in an industrial area of the city.
Fr. Iskender was a priest at the St. Ephrem Orthodox church and he was remembered as a kind and peaceful man.
Before Iskender was kidnapped, the church already had put up signs condemning the statement and calling for good relations between Christians and Muslims, said his relatives, who asked not to be named. The message was posted again after the priest's kidnappers made their demand, reported the AP.
Relatives said the priest's oldest son had been in contact with the kidnappers on mobile telephones. He negotiated the ransom payment down to US$40,000 and had agreed to pay, but contact abruptly ceased Tuesday night.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.
As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Click hereOur mission is the truth. Join us!
Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.
Donate to CNA