Kidnapped Iraqi archbishop's body found
A catholic archbishop kidnapped in Iraq last month has been found dead.
The body of Chaldean Catholic Paulos Faraj Rahho was found near the city of Mosul where he was snatched, the Italian bishops’ news agency SIR said in Rome.
It quoted the auxiliary bishop of Baghdad, Monsignor Shlemon Warduni as saying the kidnappers had buried him.
Most of Iraq’s estimated 700,000 Christians are Chaldeans – Catholics who are autonomous from Rome but recognise the Pope’s authority.
"Monsignor Rahho is dead. We have found him lifeless near Mosul," Monsignor Warduni, said.
"The kidnappers had buried him."
Archbishop Rahho was kidnapped soon after he left Mass in Mosul. Three people who had been with him were killed by the kidnappers.
The Pope immediately called for his release, and said the abduction was an “abominable” act.
