April 20: day of prayer for Asia Bibi

April 20, 2011

Christians throughout Pakistan, including the nation’s bishops, are commemorating April 20 as a day of prayer and fasting for Asia Bibi and other victims of the nation’s blasphemy law. Bibi, a Catholic mother, was accused of blasphemy against Muhammad following a dispute with a neighbor; in 2010, she was sentenced to death.

Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, was scheduled to take part in the initiative and offer Mass in the chapel of the Italian parliament.

“We can’t fight the blasphemy law…because we are such a small minority,” says Father Mario Angelo Rodrigues, national director of the Pontifical Mission Society. “The best thing is to storm the heavens.”

“Pray for abolishing of the blasphemy law,” he told Vatican Radio. “Pray for the release of Asia Bibi.”

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• April 20: Day of prayer and fasting for Asia Bibi in Pakistan (Vatican Radio)
• Asia Bibi is not alone: all over the world is praying for her (Fides)
• Vatican cardinal to offer Mass for Pakistan’s persecuted Christians (CWN, 4/12)