Italian priest honored for hiding 3,000 during Rwandan genocide

July 20, 2009

An organization of Rwandan genocide survivors has honored Father Mario Falconi, an Italian missionary priest, and nine Rwandans for their heroic actions during the 1994 Rwandan genocide, which claimed some 800,000 victims.

“You recognize me as a hero today but all I know is that I was simply doing what is expected of any Christian,” said Father Falconi, who saved 3,000 Tutsis who sought refuge in his parish. “I only protected them from the killers just as Christ protects His Church, and I am glad that the Rwanda Patriotic Front came to our rescue at the right time because the murderers were much closer.”

 

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Further information:

• Rwanda: Ibuka Honours Genocide Saviours (Kigali New Times)
• Ibuka