Iraq: two Catholic priests kidnapped

Two Catholic priests were kidnapped in Mosul, northern Iraq, on Friday, AsiaNews reports. Father Pius Affas a 60 year-old Syrian Catholic priest from Mosul and Father Mazen Ishoa, 35. a recently ordained young priest, were on their way to celebrate Mass in a church in the suburbs, when they were kidnapped, at around 4pm. Pope Benedict appealed for their safe return following the recitation of the Angelus on Saturday. The two priests were on their way to the church of Our Lady of Fatima in al-Faisaliya district, when they were taken. AsiaNews sources in Mosul say that until now there has been no claim of responsibility and recall that already their bishop Msgr Basile George Casmoussa was kidnapped two years ago and later released. Fr Affas, was a fellow seminarian of Msgr Casmoussa and a Bible studies professor at the seminary. He had been the director of the Arab language magazine 'Christian thought' in the past. Fr Mazen Ishoa was ordained just a few months ago. He entered the seminary following his degree and on completion of military service. Source: AsiaNews