Iraqi priest declines safety in Rome for parish in line of Islamic State offensive
October 09, 2014
The Catholic News Agency highlights the case of an Iraqi priest who has chosen to stay at his parish, just a few miles from the front lines of the Islamic State, rather than remaining safely in Rome.
Father Ghazwan Yousif Baho divides his time between the parish in the town of Algosh and his teaching responsibilities at the Pontifical University Urbanianum in Rome. During a recent visit to Rome he was given the option of remaining there, but declined.
"Sometimes I thought about leaving Iraq," Father Baho told CNA, but now I say, 'I don't leave my village anymore.'" He said that parishioners have been encouraged by his choice to be with them in danger.
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Posted by: jg23753479 -
Oct. 09, 2014 8:52 PM ET USA
Someday someone will record the selfless sacrifice of the good priest, Fr Baho. Just as in the past, future Catholic children will read of his bravery in their textbooks and, with trepidation, will want to follow his lead. And, just as has happened in previous eras, they will read with dismay about bishops, cardinals, and even popes who lacked the deep insight available to priests on the front lines like Fr Baho, about Church leaders who dithered and doubted instead of leading as they should.
