New Delhi: The Catholic bishop in charge of Southern Arabia and Yemen Paul Hinder believes that the abducted Indian priest Father Tom Uzhunnalil is still alive and negotiations are on for his release.
Bishop Paul Hinder clarifying the reports of Austrian media told that there was no evidence for the crucifixion of the Indian priest on Good Friday.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) said that the news couldn’t be verified.
“Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, the archbishop of Vienna, clarified that his request for prayers for Fr Uzhunnalil during the Easter Vigil was made after a request on social media,” said an official from CBCI.
While the Austrian media quoted the cardinal confirming the crucifixion, the Vienna archdiocese’s website said that Cardinal Schönborn he still had hope and had spoken to bishops around the Arab world.
CBCI deputy secretary general Monsignor Joseph Chinnayyan said that the news has caused much anxiety among Christians in India, with bishops calling him up to verify the news.
A CBCI delegation had decided to meet India’s External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday evening and request the government to help for Fr Uzhunnalil’s release. The minister was away with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on election tour, with her staff members assuring of helping them once she’s back.
