Pope honors slain Filipino priest

Article posted January 18, 2008 - 10:40 PM
Pope Benedict XVI honored the “courage and faithfulness" of slain missionary Reynaldo Roda, commending his example to priests and young people.

In a statement Friday night, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said the Pope also hoped the perpetrators would renounce their ways of violence.

“Paying tribute to the courage and faithfulness shown by this generous priest in his ministry as head of Notre Dame School, his holiness commends Father Roda’s example to priests and people throughout the region, and especially to the young," the message said.

The CBCP statement said the Pope was “saddened" to learn of the “brutal and tragic" killing of Roda in Tabawan Island, Tawi-Tawi Tuesday night.

It said the Pope's message was contained in a letter sent by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarciso Bertone to Jolo Bishop Angelito Lampon.

“He calls upon the perpetrators to renounce the ways of violence and to play their part in building a just and peaceful society, where all can live together in harmony," the CBCP said. - GMANews.TV

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