“It is never right to suppress a life to assert an idea. It is never right to think that those who do not share our views are wrong and must be destroyed. This is fundamentalism that destroys society because it destroys cohabitation. This fundamentalism, no matter the religion or political party it belongs to, may win some battles but it is bound to lose the war. And it is history that teaches this to us”. This speech was delivered by Mgr. Luigi Padovese, president of the bishops of Turkey (CET), who was stabbed to death in Iskenderun today. According to a Turkish media report, the priest, 63, who belonged to the Capuchin Order, was killed by his chauffeur. The speech was delivered on 5 February at the Mass for the soul of don Andrea Santoro, four years after he was killed in St. Mary’s church in Trabzon as he was praying. Today the same speech rings out for Mgr. Padovese, who on that day added: “The blood that don Andrea shed in this Church was not in vain. Let us think of how many brothers and sisters across the world have experienced sacrifice and have been confirmed in their will to live for Christ and, if needed, to die for Him. This humble priest, known to few, has become a witness for many. Those who wanted to wipe him out have in fact had the opposite effect”.
“A horrible and incredible fact”, “we are deeply dismayed”, said the Vatican spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi on hearing the news. “What happened is terrible, also considering other acts of violence in Turkey a few years ago such as the murder of Father Santoro. Let us pray the Lord, that He may reward him for his dedicated service to the Church and that Christians may draw from his strong witness the courage to continue to profess their faith in the region”. Mgr Padovese was scheduled to participate in the celebrations for the Pope’s visit to Cyprus from tomorrow. He was also due to receive the Instrumentum Laboris (working document) for the forthcoming Synod on the Middle East. On this very matter, Mgr. Padovese was interviewed by SIR one week ago. Mgr. Padovese is also recalled for his great contribution to turning the church-museum of St. Paul in Tarsus into a permanent worship place.

© SIR - 3 june 2010