Vatican appeals to Iraqi govt to protect Christians
Six dead, dozens hurt in Baghdad attacks
10 November, 15:41
(ANSA) - Vatican City, November 10 - The Vatican appealed to
the Iraqi government to protect Christians after fresh attacks
in Baghdad Wednesday left at least six dead and dozens hurt.
The bombings of Christians' homes came after an October 31
suicide bomb attack on a Baghdad church in which 52 people died."Iraqi authorities should take into serious consideration" new moves to protect Christians, said Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican's secretary of state.
He said the Vatican was concerned about recent attacks in Iraq and a growing exodus of Christians from Middle Eastern countries.
Bertone also cited attacks on Christians in other parts of the world, like Pakistan.
ITALY CONDEMNS ATTACKS.
Italy condemned the attacks and said it would urge the European Union to take up the issue.
The Italian foreign ministry "strongly condemns the attacks against Christians in Iraq," said spokesman Maurizio Massari.
He voiced "strong concern over the situation for Christians in Iraq and more generally over the treatment of Christian minorities in the Middle Eastern area".
Massari said Foreign Minister Franco Frattini had requested the issue be discussed at the next European Union foreign ministers' meeting.
He added that Italy was "in close bilateral liaison" with Iraqi authorities. photo: a bombed-out home in Baghdad
