Pope Francis has called for prayers for the soul of a Nigerian Catholic priest, Rev. Father Isaac Achi, who was murdered last Sunday, January 15.
At the General Audience on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, Pope Francis also asked everyone to remember in their prayers the many Christians who suffer violence directly.
He spoke in particular about Father Achi, who was burnt alive by suspected bandits in the early hours of Sunday, at his residence opposite Kafin-Koro Secondary School in Paikoro Local Government Area of Niger State.
The assailants set fire to the residence, burning Fr. Achi alive, and shot and injured Fr. Omeh as he attempted to escape.
According to the police, the bandits decided to burn down the building when they could not access where the priest was.
The Pope then turned his thoughts to “battered Ukraine”, calling on everyone to remember the people in their prayers as they greatly need “our closeness, consolation, and above all peace.”
He also recalled the latest missile attack that took place last Saturday killing and injuring many civilians, among them children, saying he shares in the “heartbreaking pain” of the families.
“The images and the testimonies of this tragic episode are a powerful appeal to our consciences. No one can remain indifferent!” the Pope added.
