…condemns attack on Ukraine
Pope Francis has called on the Catholic faithful to pray for the soul of a Nigerian priest, Rev. Fr. Isaac Achi, who was burnt alive by suspected terrorists last Sunday.
Fr. Achi was set ablaze during a gruesome attack on the residence of the parish priests of St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church located at Daza Road, Kaffin-Koro in Paikoro Local Government Area of Niger State.
Another priest, Rev. Fr. Collins, reportedly escaped with bullet wounds during the attack that took place at about 1am on Sunday.
The Catholic Pontiff also expressed concern over the recent attack on Ukraine, while urging prayers for the suffering people of Ukraine that are affected by the Russian invasion.
According to Vatican News, the Pope made the remarks at the General Audience on Wednesday in the Vatican City.
Pope Francis asked the audience to remember in their prayers the many Christians who suffer violence directly.
The Pope then turned his thoughts to “battered Ukraine”, calling on everyone to remember the people in their prayers as they greatly need “our closeness, consolation, and above all peace”, according to Vatican News.
Pope Francis also used the opportunity to talk about the missile attack that took place last Saturday killing and injuring many civilians in troubled Ukraine.
“The images and the testimonies of this tragic episode are a powerful appeal to our consciences. No one can remain indifferent!” the Pope said.
According to reports, about 45 people died and 79 were injured in the Russian missile strike that hit an apartment building in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro on Saturday.
