Cardinal Expresses Shock at Persecution of Christians in Asia

ICC Note: According to statistics gathered by Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco more than 100,000 Christians of various denominations lost their lives because of their faith in 2012. The cardinal expressed his shock at how little the West seems to be aware of the extent of Christian persecution, both in Asia and Africa.  
 01/28/2013 Italy (AN) -The persecution of Christians in Asia and around the world “creates dismay throughout the Church. In too many countries, Christians are not allowed any sign of religious affiliation, except by camouflage or in hiding. Experts speak a total of over one hundred thousand Christians of various denominations killed in 2012. A frightening figure, which can not leave people indifferent – individuals and institutions – even less so in the name of economic and political interests”, stated Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco during the opening address to the Permanent Council of the Italian bishops’ conference, of which he is president.
Besides the usual reminders about the Italian political, economic and social scene – reminders present in his book “narrow gate” (published by Cantagalli), presented on January 24 in Rome with the Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Bertone – the Archbishop of Genoa devoted a long passage to the persecution of Christians in Asia: “The crisis which shock us most at the beginning of this year, which once again the Pope wanted to usher in, in the sign of peace, are situations of persecution which target Christians, situations which largely coincide with the unresolved conflicts in several countries, but partly also develop where apparently there should be no sources of tension”.
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Experts speak of a total “of over one hundred thousand Christians of various denominations killed in 2012. A frightening figure, which can not leave anyone indifferent – individuals or institutions – even less so in the name of economic and political interests. Those who suffer and die for Christ, do so for us, and they are our brothers regardless of the distance that divides us. In the mysterious economy through which the kingdom of God on earth is concretely woven, communion with these situations of martyrdom gives truth and vigor to our pastoral work, today focused on re-evangelizing the lands that have long known the Gospel”.
In conclusion, Cardinal Bagnasco launches an invitation especially to the West: “If our parishes can keep alive, even nourish, a systematic memory of our brothers and sisters who are persecuted in the world, then even the local faith would be re- vitalised. Who else, if not they, can give us authentic momentum and reasons to believe? “.
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