Friday, July 25, 2014

Praise for her witness

Yesterday afternoon at 1:00pm local time, the Holy Father met with Meriam Yahia Ibrahim Ishag, the 26-year-old Sudanese woman who was imprisoned and sentenced to death a few months ago for having married a Christian man.  The meeting took place at the Domus Sanctae Marthae in the Vatican.



She was accompanied by her husband, Daniel Wani and their two children, Martin (aged thirteen months) and Maya, who was born in prison two months ago.

Along with her family members, Meriam was also accompanied by the Italian Associate Minister for Foreign Affairs, Lapo Pistelli is working with her and with her family to prepare for their transfer to the United States.

The Audience with the Holy Father lasted a little less than thirty minutes and was conducted in a climate of serenity and affection.  The Pope thanked Meriam and her family for their courageous witness to constancy in the faith.  In turn, Meriam expressed her gratitude to the Pope for the support and comfort received from his prayer and from the prayers offered by many other believing people and people of good will.

Pope Francis' personal secretary, Monsignor Yohannis Haid, served as interpreter for the meeting, at the end of which, the Holy Father also greeted the Italian personnel who were accompanying Meriam and her family during their short visit to Italy.

Through this gesture, the Pope wished to demonstrate his closeness, his attentiveness and his prayers which are also being offered for all those who suffer for their faith, particularly for Christians who suffer persecution or other limitations which are placed on their religious freedom.

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