Pope Bebedict XVI Urges Iraqi Priests' Release

There were two clerics of the Syrian-Catholic diocese of Mosul kidnapped while attending a funeral on Saturday. Pope Benedict XVI has called for their release during his prayers on Sunday. Pope Benedict, speaking in Italian outside the Vatican, asked that they quickly let the two religious men go. He said the news from Iraq rattles the consciences of all those for whom the good of the country and peace in the region is held dear.