Chaldean Catholics all over the world are still in shock as they mourn the death of Archbishop Paulos Rahho of Mosul (Iraq). The Archbishop was kidnapped on February 29 of this year, immediately following the recitation of the Stations of the Cross. Despite urgent pleas for his release, three others who were kidnapped with him, including his driver were killed and his kidnappers waited more than two weeks before they disclosed the location where they burried him.
Archbishop Rahho's funeral, held in Mosul on March 14 was an emotional experience for all Chaldean Catholics who gathered to mourn his loss, including Cardinal Emmanuel III Delly who told Iraqis that they must follow a path of peace in the shadow of the grievous news of the kidnapping and martyrdom of Archbishop Rahho.
The news of this slaying has shaken Iraqi Christians as far away as Canada. On the same day as the funeral held in Iraq, more than 1,000 Chaldean Catholics gathered in the church of the Good Shepherd in Toronto to mourn his loss. Archbishop Rahho was no stranger to the unrest that has characterized his homeland, especially when it comes to tensions caused by religious differences. The fact that his attackers were not deterred by his office have caused many of his followers to fear for the future of Christians in Iraq, but such martyrdom is not new in the Church; in fact it often leads to a resurgence of faith and commitment.
May he rest in peace, and may those who mourn his loss know the deep and abiding presence of the Father who welcomes him home.
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