Pope joins in appeal for Pakistani Christian woman facing death sentence
November 17, 2010
Pope Benedict XVI has added his voice to the chorus of international appeals for Asia Bibi, a Pakistani woman who faces the death sentence for alleged violation of the country’s controversial blasphemy law.
At the conclusion of his regular weekly public audience on November 17 the Holy Father expressed his “spiritual closeness” to the young Christian mother, “while asking that, as soon as possible, she may be restored to complete freedom.”
The Pope observed that the case has drawn worldwide attention, and “the international community is, with great concern, following the situation of Christians in Pakistan, who are often victims of violence or discrimination.”
Asia Bibi was charged with offending Mohammed when, in a conversation with Muslim co-workers, she defended her belief that Christianity rather than Islam is the true faith. She has been sentenced to death under Pakistan’s law against blasphemy.
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Further information:
- Papal Appeal for Asia Bibi (VIS)
- Pakistan under pressure to revoke death sentence on young mother for 'blasphemy' (CWN, 11/15)
- AsiaNews petition to save Asia Bibi
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