Priest kidnapped in Syria had asked Islamic court for protection
October 08, 2014
The Franciscan priest who was kidnapped in Syria on Sunday night had recently appealed to an Islamic court for protection against Islamic militants, the Fides news service reports.
Father Hanna Jallouf had led a Christian community in the village of Knayeh, which is under the control of rebel groups associated with the Islamic State. He had kept his church and school open despite regular harassment, by keeping open lines of communication with leaders of the rebel groups.
In the absence of any government agencies in the region, Father Jallouf had lodged a plea with the Islamic court for an end to the harassment of his community. Shortly thereafter, he and at least 20 parishioners were seized by Islamic militants. Their current whereabouts are notknown.
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
- The Franciscan priest kidnapped after he had appealed to the Islamic Court (Fides)
- Priest and parishioners kidnapped in northern Syria (CWN, 10/8)
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
-
Posted by: a son of Mary -
Oct. 08, 2014 4:39 PM ET USA
God bless you Fr Jallouf for appealing to a shariah court. It was clever especially since it seems you had no other recourse and no one would protect you and your flock. Pls pray for Fr Jallouf and his parishioners as well as Fr Paolo, a friend, who was captured over a year ago. May Our Blessed Virgin Mary wrap them in her protective mantle.
