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{{short description|Chaldean Catholic Archbishop of Mosul}}
{{Infobox Christian leader
{{Infobox Christian leader
| type = Bishop
| type = Bishop
| name = Paulos Faraj Rahho
| name = Paulos Faraj Rahho
| title = Archbishop of the Eparchy of Mosul
| title = Archbishop of the Eparchy of Mosul
| image =
| image =
| alt =
| alt =
| caption =
| caption =
| church =
| church =
| archdiocese =
| archdiocese =
| diocese =
| diocese =
| see = [[Chaldean Catholic Archeparchy of Mosul|Archeparchy of Mosul]]
| see = [[Chaldean Catholic Archeparchy of Mosul|Archeparchy of Mosul]]
| term = 12 January 2001 – 2008, ''Killed'' - body found 13 March 2008
| term = 12 January 2001 – 13 March 2008
| predecessor = [[Mar George Garmo|George Garmo]]
| predecessor = [[Mar George Garmo|George Garmo]]
| successor = [[Emil Shimoun Nona]]
| successor = [[Emil Shimoun Nona]]
<!-- Orders -->
<!-- Orders -->| ordination = 10 June 1965
| ordinated_by =
| ordination = 10 June 1965
| ordinated_by =
| consecration =
| consecration =
| consecrated_by =
| consecrated_by =
| rank =
| rank = <!-- Personal details -->
⚫
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1942|11|20}}{{cn|date=September 2023}}
<!-- Personal details -->
⚫
| birth_place = [[Mosul]], [[Kingdom of Iraq|Iraq]]
⚫
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1942|11|20}}
⚫
| death_date = March 2008 (aged 65)
⚫
| birth_place = [[Mosul]], [[Kingdom of Iraq|Iraq]]
⚫
| death_place = Mosul, [[Iraq]]
⚫
| death_date = March 2008 (aged 65)
⚫
| previous_post =
⚫
| death_place = Mosul, [[Iraq]]
⚫
| previous_post = Priest
}}
}}


'''Archbishop Mar Paulos Faraj Rahho''' ({{lang-ar|بولس فرج رحو}}, ''{{transl|ar|DIN|Būlus Farağ Raḥū}}''; {{lang-syr|ܦܘܠܘܣ ܦ̮ܪܔ ܪܚܘ}}, ''{{transl|syr|Paulōs Farağ Raḥō}}''; 20 November 1942 – February or March 2008) was the [[Chaldean Catholic Archdiocese of Mosul|Chaldean Catholic Archeparch of Mosul]],<ref name="timesobit">[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/obituaries/article3547009.ece Archbishop Paul Faraj Rahho: The Times obituary]. 14 March 2008.</ref> in the northern part of [[Iraq]].
'''Paulos Faraj Rahho''' (also known as '''Paul Faraj Rahho''' and '''Paulos Faradsch Raho'''; {{langx|ar|بولس فرج رحو}}, ''{{transliteration|ar|DIN|Būlus Farağ Raḥū}}''; {{langx|syr|ܦܘܠܘܣ ܦ̮ܪܔ ܪܚܘ}}, ''{{transliteration|syr|Paulōs Farağ Raḥō}}''; 20 November 1942 – February or March 2008) was a [[Chaldean Catholic Church|Chaldean Catholic]] prelate who served as the [[Chaldean Catholic Archeparchy of Mosul|Archeparch of Mosul]]<ref name="timesobit">[https://web.archive.org/web/20080517091603/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/obituaries/article3547009.ece Archbishop Paul Faraj Rahho: The Times obituary]. 14 March 2008.</ref> in the northern part of [[Iraq]] from 2001 until his death in 2008 at the hands of terrorists.<ref name="timesobit" /><ref name="nytimes080314" />

Also known as '''Paul Faraj Rahho''' and '''Paulos Faradsch Raho''', he was an ethnic Chaldean, born in Mosul, where he lived almost his entire life. The city of Mosul has a long established community of Chaldean Catholics. Rahho came to worldwide attention in 2008 when he was kidnapped by gunmen and subsequently found dead in Mosul, an event that drew condemnation from the Vatican and foreign governments.<ref name="timesobit"/><ref name="nytimes080314"/>


==Biography ==
==Biography ==
Paulos Faraj Rahho was born to an [[Assyrian people|Assyrian]] Catholic family in 1942. He spent nearly all his life in Mosul, a city with one of the largest and oldest [[Christian]] populations in Iraq. In 1954, he entered the St. Peter's junior and major [[seminary]] in [[Baghdad]] in order to become a priest. After his ordination on June 10, 1965 he briefly worked in Baghdad before being appointed to St. Isiah's Church in Mosul.<ref name="timesobit"/> Between 1974 and 1976, Rahho completed his religious studies with a Licentiate in Theology from the [[Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas|Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, ''Angelicum'']] in [[Rome]].<ref>https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/apr/01/catholicism.religion Accessed 1 March 2014</ref>
Paulos Faraj Rahho was born to a Chaldean Catholic family in 1942. He spent nearly all his life in Mosul, a city with one of the largest and oldest [[Christians|Christian]] populations in Iraq. In 1954, he entered the St. Peter's junior and major [[seminary]] in [[Baghdad]] in order to become a priest. After his ordination on June 10, 1965 he briefly worked in Baghdad before being appointed to St. Isiah's Church in Mosul.<ref name="timesobit"/> Between 1974 and 1976, Rahho completed his religious studies with a Licentiate in Theology from the [[Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas|Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, ''Angelicum'']] in [[Rome]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/apr/01/catholicism.religion |title=Obituary: Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho |website=www.theguardian.com |date= 31 March 2008|access-date=1 March 2014}}</ref>


Rahho later founded the church of the Sacred Heart in [[Tel Keppe]], a town some 12 miles (20&nbsp;km) north of Mosul. He also opened an orphanage for handicapped children.<ref name="timesobit"/>
Rahho later founded the church of the Sacred Heart in [[Tel Keppe]], a town some 12 miles (20&nbsp;km) north of Mosul. He also opened an orphanage for handicapped children.<ref name="timesobit"/>


=== Archbishop of Mosul ===
=== Archbishop of Mosul ===
On January 12, 2001, the Synod of Bishops of the Chaldean Catholic Church elected him archbishop of the [[Chaldean Catholic Archeparchy of Mosul|Archeparchy of Mosul]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://212.77.1.245/news_services/bulletin/news/8415.php?index=8415&po_date=16.01.2001&lang=en|title=Assenso all'elezione dell'Arcivescovo di Mossul dei Caldei|accessdate=2010-01-07 |publisher=Holy See Press Office}}</ref> On February 16, 2001, he was [[Holy Orders|ordained]] Chaldean Archbishop of Mosul, giving him responsibility for around 20,000 Catholics in ten parishes.<ref name="timesobit"/> He was ordained by Mar [[Raphael I Bidawid]], the [[List of Chaldean Catholic Patriarchs of Babylon|Patriarch of Babylon]]. His church is known in Mosul as Safina (The Ship), but parishioners called it the Holy Spirit Church.<ref name="nytimes080314">[https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/14/world/middleeast/14iraq.html?ref=world Kidnapped Iraqi Archbishop Is Dead], The New York Times, March 14, 2008.</ref>
On January 12, 2001, the Synod of Bishops of the Chaldean Catholic Church elected him archbishop of the [[Chaldean Catholic Archeparchy of Mosul|Archeparchy of Mosul]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://212.77.1.245/news_services/bulletin/news/8415.php?index=8415&po_date=16.01.2001&lang=en|title=Assenso all'elezione dell'Arcivescovo di Mossul dei Caldei|access-date=2010-01-07|publisher=Holy See Press Office}}{{Dead link|date=February 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> On February 16, 2001, he was [[Holy Orders|ordained]] Chaldean Archbishop of Mosul, giving him responsibility for around 20,000 Catholics in ten parishes.<ref name="timesobit"/> He was ordained by Mar [[Raphael I Bidawid]], the [[List of Chaldean Catholic Patriarchs of Babylon|Patriarch of Babylon]]. His church is known in Mosul as Safina (The Ship), but parishioners called it the Holy Spirit Church.<ref name="nytimes080314">[https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/14/world/middleeast/14iraq.html?ref=world Kidnapped Iraqi Archbishop Is Dead], The New York Times, March 14, 2008.</ref>


===Unease with Sharia ===
===Unease with Sharia ===
Rahho expressed disquiet at the moves to incorporate [[Sharia law]] more fundamentally into the [[Constitution of Iraq|Iraqi constitution]], and continued throughout his life to lead worship in difficult situations.<ref name="timesobit"/> During his 2007 trip to Rome, with the patriarch of Babylon [[Emmanuel III Delly]] who was then appointed cardinal, Rahho confided that he had been threatened by gunmen in his native town.<ref name="timesobit"/> Following the start of the Iraq war, [[persecution of Christians]] in Iraq increased dramatically.<ref name="Allbritton">{{Cite journal|last=Allbritton|first=Christopher|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,699409,00.html|title=Iraq's Persecuted Christians|publisher=Time|date=2004-09-20|postscript=<!--None-->}}</ref> Rahho commented on the precarious situation of Chaldean Christians in an interview with Asia News shortly before his kidnapping.<ref name="timesobit"/>
Rahho expressed disquiet at the moves to incorporate [[Sharia law]] more fundamentally into the [[Constitution of Iraq|Iraqi constitution]], and continued throughout his life to lead worship in difficult situations.<ref name="timesobit"/> During his 2007 trip to Rome, with the patriarch of Babylon [[Emmanuel III Delly]] who was then appointed cardinal, Rahho confided that he had been threatened by gunmen in his native town.<ref name="timesobit"/> Following the start of the Iraq war, [[persecution of Christians]] in Iraq increased dramatically.<ref name="Allbritton">{{cite magazine|last=Allbritton|first=Christopher|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,699409,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120123100519/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,699409,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 23, 2012|title=Iraq's Persecuted Christians|magazine=Time|date=2004-09-20}}</ref> Rahho commented on the precarious situation of Chaldean Christians in an interview with Asia News shortly before his kidnapping.<ref name="timesobit"/>


==Kidnapping and death==
==Kidnapping and death==
Late on February 29, 2008, according to a report given by the [[Catholic News Service]], Archbishop Rahho was [[wikt:kidnapped|kidnapped]] from his car in the Al-Nur district of the city; his bodyguards and driver were killed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0801165.htm|title=Kidnappers take Iraqi Archbishop, Kill his three companions|accessdate=2008-03-14 |publisher=Catholic News Service}}</ref> According to church officials, "gunmen sprayed the Archbishop's car with bullets, killed two bodyguards and shoved the bishop into the trunk of a car. In the darkness, he managed to pull out his cellphone and call the church, telling officials not to pay a ransom for his release" they said. "He believed that this money would not be paid for good works and would be used for killing and more evil actions," the officials said.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/14/world/middleeast/14iraq.html?ref=world|title=Kidnapped Iraqi Archbishop Is Dead|accessdate=2008-03-14|publisher=The New York Times | first=Erica | last=Goode | date=2008-03-14}}</ref> Other reports stated that also investigators believed the archbishop may have been shot at the time of the kidnapping.<ref name="CNN">{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/03/13/iraq.main/index.html|title=Source: U.S. sent severed fingers of Iraq kidnap victims|accessdate=2008-03-13|publisher=CNN |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20080317170323/http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/03/13/iraq.main/index.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 2008-03-17}}</ref>
Late on February 29, 2008, according to a report given by the [[Catholic News Service]], Rahho was [[wikt:kidnapped|kidnapped]] from his car in the Al-Nur district of the city; his bodyguards and driver were killed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0801165.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080302164941/http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0801165.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 2, 2008|title=Kidnappers take Iraqi Archbishop, Kill his three companions|access-date=2008-03-14 |publisher=Catholic News Service}}</ref> According to church officials, "gunmen sprayed the Archbishop's car with bullets, killed two bodyguards and shoved the bishop into the trunk of a car. In the darkness, he managed to pull out his cellphone and call the church, telling officials not to pay a ransom for his release" they said. "He believed that this money would not be paid for good works and would be used for killing and more evil actions," the officials said.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/14/world/middleeast/14iraq.html?ref=world|title=Kidnapped Iraqi Archbishop Is Dead|access-date=2008-03-14|newspaper=The New York Times | first=Erica | last=Goode | date=2008-03-14}}</ref> Other reports stated that also investigators believed the archbishop may have been shot at the time of the kidnapping.<ref name="CNN">{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/03/13/iraq.main/index.html|title=Source: U.S. sent severed fingers of Iraq kidnap victims|access-date=2008-03-13|publisher=CNN |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080317170323/http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/03/13/iraq.main/index.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 2008-03-17}}</ref>


The kidnappers demanded Christians contribute to the ''[[jihad]]'', through ''[[jizya]]''.<ref name="asianews.it">[http://www.asianews.it/index.php?l=en&art=11673 Kidnappers of Mosul bishop, raise the ransom]</ref> The captors also demanded the release of Arab (non-Iraqi) detainees and that they be paid $3 million for Rahho's release.<ref name="asianews.it"/> The kidnappers also demanded that Iraqi Christians form a militia to fight the [[United States Army|US forces]].<ref>[http://www.kurdishaspect.com/doc031408VOI.html Archbishop’s kidnappers demand to form Christian militia], by [http://www.aswataliraq.info/?newlang=eng Aswat Al-Iraq] (Voices of Iraq.)</ref>
The kidnappers demanded Christians contribute to the ''[[jihad]]'', through ''[[jizya]]''.<ref name="asianews.it">{{Cite web|url=http://www.asianews.it/index.php?art=11673&l=en|title=Kidnappers of Mosul bishop, raise the ransom|website=www.asianews.it}}</ref> The captors also demanded the release of Arab (non-Iraqi) detainees and that they be paid $3 million for Rahho's release.<ref name="asianews.it"/> The kidnappers also demanded that Iraqi Christians form a militia to fight the [[United States Army|US forces]].<ref>[http://www.kurdishaspect.com/doc031408VOI.html Archbishop’s kidnappers demand to form Christian militia] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303182007/http://www.kurdishaspect.com/doc031408VOI.html |date=2016-03-03 }}, by [http://www.aswataliraq.info/?newlang=eng Aswat Al-Iraq] (Voices of Iraq.)</ref>


On March 13, 2008, it was reported that the Archbishop's body had been found buried in a shallow grave near Mosul.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/newsMaps/idUSRAT00361720080313|title=Iraqi archbishop found dead, al Qaeda blamed|accessdate=2008-03-13|publisher=Reuters | first=Philip | last=Pullella | date=2008-03-13}}.</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/7294078.stm|title=Kidnapped Iraqi archbishop dead|accessdate=2008-03-13|publisher=BBC News | date=2008-03-13}}</ref> Officials of the Chaldean Church in Iraq said they had received a call telling them where the body was buried. Reports over the cause of death were contradictory.<ref name="reuters">{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/featuredCrisis/idUSL14360960|title=Iraqi police, Mehdi militia clash despite truce|accessdate=2008-03-14 |publisher=Reuters | date=2008-03-14}}</ref> An official of the [[morgue]] in Mosul said the archbishop, who had health problems, including [[high blood pressure]] and [[diabetes]], might have died of natural causes. Police at the Mosul morgue said the Archbishop "appeared to have been dead a week and his body bore no bullet wounds".<ref name="reuters"/> [[Nineveh]] Deputy Governor [[Khasro Goran]] stated that when relatives and authorities went to the location specified by the kidnappers and found the body, it had "gunshot wounds".<ref name="CNN"/> The identity of those behind his murder is disputed. Some Assyrians within the community believe Al-Qaida and other Sunni Arab factions were behind the murder. Other Christians in Mosul, including the archbishop’s family, believe that it was the Kurds who ordered his assassination.<ref name=struggle>{{cite web|title=Iraq's New Battlefront: The Struggle over Ninewa|url=http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/country,,ICG,,IRQ,,4ac0d64f2,0.html|publisher=International Crisis Group (ICG)|accessdate=20 October 2011}}</ref> Kurdish authorities ordered an investigation and subsequently made several arrests, though their reports have failed to convince the family.
On March 13, 2008, it was reported that Rahho's body had been found buried in a shallow grave near Mosul.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/newsMaps/idUSRAT00361720080313|title=Iraqi archbishop found dead, al Qaeda blamed|access-date=2008-03-13|work=Reuters | first=Philip | last=Pullella | date=2008-03-13}}.</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/7294078.stm|title=Kidnapped Iraqi archbishop dead|access-date=2008-03-13|work=BBC News | date=2008-03-13}}</ref> Officials of the Chaldean Church in Iraq said they had received a call telling them where the body was buried. Reports over the cause of death were contradictory.<ref name="reuters">{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/featuredCrisis/idUSL14360960|title=Iraqi police, Mehdi militia clash despite truce|access-date=2008-03-14 |work=Reuters | date=2008-03-14}}</ref> An official of the [[morgue]] in Mosul said the archbishop, who had health problems, including [[high blood pressure]] and [[diabetes]], might have died of natural causes. Police at the Mosul morgue said Rahho "appeared to have been dead a week and his body bore no bullet wounds".<ref name="reuters"/> [[Nineveh]] Deputy Governor [[Khasro Goran]] stated that when relatives and authorities went to the location specified by the kidnappers and found the body, it had "gunshot wounds".<ref name="CNN"/> The identity of those behind his murder is disputed. Some Chaldeans within the community believe Al-Qaida and other Sunni Arab factions were behind the murder. Other Christians in Mosul, including the archbishop's family, believe that it was the Kurds who ordered his assassination.<ref name=struggle>{{cite web|title=Iraq's New Battlefront: The Struggle over Ninewa|url=http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/country,,ICG,,IRQ,,4ac0d64f2,0.html|publisher=International Crisis Group (ICG)|access-date=20 October 2011}}</ref> Kurdish authorities ordered an investigation and subsequently made several arrests, though their reports have failed to convince the family.


Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho is believed to be the highest-ranking [[Chaldean Catholic Church|Chaldean Catholic]] clergyman to have been killed in the [[Iraq war]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7295145.stm|title=Christians besieged in Iraq|accessdate=2008-03-15|publisher=BBC News | date=2008-03-13}}</ref> The funeral services were held in the town of [[Karamlesh]], with Chaldean Catholic Cardinal Emmanuel Delly in presence.
Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho is believed to be the highest-ranking [[Chaldean Catholic Church|Chaldean Catholic]] clergyman to have been killed in the [[Iraq war]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7295145.stm|title=Christians besieged in Iraq|access-date=2008-03-15|work=BBC News | date=2008-03-13}}</ref> The funeral services were held in the town of [[Karamlesh]], with Chaldean Catholic Cardinal Emmanuel Delly in presence.


===International reactions===
===International reactions===
* {{flagicon|Vatican City}} [[Vatican City]]: [[Pope Benedict XVI]] stated the murder was "an act of inhuman violence that offends the dignity of the human being."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-Iraq/idUSL1385722320080313|title=Pope says Iraq archbishop death "inhuman violence"|accessdate=2008-03-15 | first=Philip | last=Pullella | date=2008-03-13 | work=Reuters}}</ref> "The pope also denounced the 5-year-long Iraq war, saying it had provoked the complete breakup of Iraqi civilian life. 'Enough with the slaughters. Enough with the violence. Enough with the hatred in Iraq!' Benedict said to applause at the end of his [[Palm Sunday]] Mass in St. Peter's Square."<ref>Nicole Winfield, "Pope: Enough with slaughters in Iraq," , ''Associated Press'', online, March 16, 2008.</ref>
* {{flagicon|Vatican City}} [[Vatican City]]: [[Pope Benedict XVI]] stated the murder was "an act of inhuman violence that offends the dignity of the human being."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-Iraq/idUSL1385722320080313|title=Pope says Iraq archbishop death "inhuman violence"|access-date=2008-03-15 | first=Philip | last=Pullella | date=2008-03-13 | work=Reuters}}</ref> "The pope also denounced the 5-year-long Iraq war, saying it had provoked the complete breakup of Iraqi civilian life. 'Enough with the slaughters. Enough with the violence. Enough with the hatred in Iraq!' Benedict said to applause at the end of his [[Palm Sunday]] Mass in St. Peter's Square."<ref>Nicole Winfield, "Pope: Enough with slaughters in Iraq," , ''Associated Press'', online, March 16, 2008.</ref>
* {{flagicon|Iraq}} [[Iraq]]: Prime Minister [[Nouri al-Maliki]] said "the attack was the work of a criminal gang intent on provoking religious strife."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/latest/200803141540/13bcecaf |title=Iraqi archbishop's killing condemned |accessdate=2008-03-15 |publisher=Radio New Zealand News |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207170319/http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/latest/200803141540/13bcecaf |archivedate=February 7, 2012 }}</ref>
* {{flagicon|Iraq}} [[Iraq]]: Prime Minister [[Nouri al-Maliki]] said "the attack was the work of a criminal gang intent on provoking religious strife."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/latest/200803141540/13bcecaf |title=Iraqi archbishop's killing condemned |access-date=2008-03-15 |publisher=Radio New Zealand News |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207170319/http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/latest/200803141540/13bcecaf |archive-date=February 7, 2012 }}</ref>
* {{flagicon|United Kingdom}} United Kingdom: British Foreign Secretary [[David Miliband]] said "His [Archbishop Rahho's] kidnapping was a cowardly act perpetrated by individuals who have rejected dialogue and peaceful politics. His killing represents an appalling act of premeditated violence. My thoughts are with the Archbishop's family."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www2.irna.ir/en/news/view/menu-234/0803140335154445.htm |title=Killing of Iraq archbishop 'appalling,' says Miliband |accessdate=2008-03-14 |publisher=Iranian Islamic Republic News Agency |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080318111234/http://www2.irna.ir/en/news/view/menu-234/0803140335154445.htm |archivedate=March 18, 2008 }}</ref>
* {{flagicon|United Kingdom}} United Kingdom: British Foreign Secretary [[David Miliband]] said "His [Archbishop Rahho's] kidnapping was a cowardly act perpetrated by individuals who have rejected dialogue and peaceful politics. His killing represents an appalling act of premeditated violence. My thoughts are with the Archbishop's family."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www2.irna.ir/en/news/view/menu-234/0803140335154445.htm |title=Killing of Iraq archbishop 'appalling,' says Miliband |access-date=2008-03-14 |publisher=Iranian Islamic Republic News Agency |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080318111234/http://www2.irna.ir/en/news/view/menu-234/0803140335154445.htm |archive-date=March 18, 2008 }}</ref>
* {{flagicon|United States}} United States: President Bush was quoted as saying "I send my condolences to the Chaldean community and the people of Iraq. The terrorists will continue to lose in Iraq because they are savage and cruel."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jagFoio3R9TH51FJKs60pID-oX4A|title=Bush condemns Iraq archbishop's 'murder'|accessdate=2008-03-15|publisher=[[Agence France-Presse|AFP]]}}</ref> The [[Arab American Institute]] said "This despicable act against a peaceful leader of a vulnerable (Chaldean) minority community violates every moral code."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.unobserver.com/layout5.php?id=4503&blz=1|title=AAI Statement on the Kidnapping of Chaldean Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho|accessdate=2008-03-15}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|United States}} United States: President Bush was quoted as saying "I send my condolences to the Chaldean community and the people of Iraq. The terrorists will continue to lose in Iraq because they are savage and cruel."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jagFoio3R9TH51FJKs60pID-oX4A|title=Bush condemns Iraq archbishop's 'murder'|access-date=2008-03-15|publisher=[[Agence France-Presse|AFP]]|archive-date=2008-03-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080319001622/http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jagFoio3R9TH51FJKs60pID-oX4A|url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[Arab American Institute]] said "This despicable act against a peaceful leader of a vulnerable (Chaldean) minority community violates every moral code."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.unobserver.com/layout5.php?id=4503&blz=1|title=AAI Statement on the Kidnapping of Chaldean Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho|access-date=2008-03-15|archive-date=2022-11-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221116111427/http://www.unobserver.com/layout5.php?id=4503&blz=1|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[File:Patriairch emblem1.gif|25px]] [[Chaldean Catholic Church]]: Patriarch [[Emmanuel III Delly]], who broke down and wept during funeral services in [[Karamles]], urged [[Christians]] on Friday not to seek revenge for the death of the archbishop.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5i4rtLsZIuTKmZNlCMQbPeypoK7Ow|title=Weeping Christians bury Iraqi archbishop|accessdate=2008-03-15|publisher=[[Agence France-Presse|AFP]]}}</ref>
*[[Chaldean Catholic Church]]: Patriarch [[Emmanuel III Delly]], who broke down and wept during funeral services in [[Karamles]], urged [[Christians]] on Friday not to seek revenge for the death of the archbishop.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5i4rtLsZIuTKmZNlCMQbPeypoK7Ow|title=Weeping Christians bury Iraqi archbishop|access-date=2008-03-15|publisher=[[Agence France-Presse|AFP]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080318234002/http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5i4rtLsZIuTKmZNlCMQbPeypoK7Ow|archive-date=2008-03-18|url-status=dead}}</ref>


===Aftermath===
===Aftermath===
One of the killers, named Ahmed Ali Ahmed, was found and arrested. Ahmed was an [[Al-Qaida in Iraq]] cell leader in Mosul. On 19 May 2008, the Iraqi Central Criminal Court sentenced Ahmed to death.
One of the killers, named Ahmed Ali Ahmed, was found and arrested. Ahmed was an [[Al-Qaida in Iraq]] cell leader in Mosul. On 19 May 2008, the Iraqi Central Criminal Court sentenced Ahmed to death.
<ref>{{cite news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/featuredCrisis/idUKCOL85657520080518|title=Iraq to execute al Qaeda leader in bishop murder|publisher=[[Reuters]]|date=2008-05-18|accessdate=2008-05-21}}</ref> However, high representatives of the Chaldean Catholic Church opposed the death sentence.
<ref>{{cite news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/featuredCrisis/idUKCOL85657520080518|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130104125111/http://uk.reuters.com/article/featuredCrisis/idUKCOL85657520080518|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 4, 2013|title=Iraq to execute al Qaeda leader in bishop murder|work=[[Reuters]]|date=2008-05-18|access-date=2008-05-21}}</ref> However, high representatives of the Chaldean Catholic Church opposed the death sentence.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zenit.org/article-22640?l=english|title=Iraqi Bishop Assails Execution of Prelate's Abductor|publisher=ZENIT|date=2008-05-20|access-date=2008-05-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cwnews.com/news/viewstory.cfm?recnum=58530|title=Catholic World News : Iraqi bishops oppose execution of prelate's convicted killer
⚫
|publisher=Catholic World News|date=2008-05-20|access-date=2008-05-21}}</ref> In his will, Rahho called upon the Iraqi Assyrian Christian community to work with Muslim and [[Yazidi]] Iraqis to develop ties across religious divisions within Iraq.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ankawa.com/english/?p=1062|title=ankawa.com » Blog Archive » Love for our "Muslim brothers and for Iraq" in Mgr Rahho’s Will<!-- Bot generated title -->|access-date=2008-04-22|archive-date=2011-07-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717025458/http://www.ankawa.com/english/?p=1062|url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zenit.org/article-22640?l=english|title=Iraqi Bishop Assails Execution of Prelate's Abductor|publisher=ZENIT|date=2008-05-20|accessdate=2008-05-21}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cwnews.com/news/viewstory.cfm?recnum=58530|title=Catholic World News : Iraqi bishops oppose execution of prelate's convicted killer
⚫
|publisher=Catholic World Nes|date=2008-05-20|accessdate=2008-05-21}}</ref> In his will, Rahho called upon the Iraqi Assyrian Christian community to work with Muslim and [[Yazidi]] Iraqis to develop ties across religious divisions within Iraq.<ref>[http://www.ankawa.com/english/?p=1062 ankawa.com » Blog Archive » Love for our “Muslim brothers and for Iraq” in Mgr Rahho’s Will<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
Line 73: Line 68:
==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons}}
{{Commons}}
* [http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/obituaries/article3547009.ece Obituary in ''The Times'', 13 March 2008]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080517091603/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/obituaries/article3547009.ece Obituary in ''The Times'', 13 March 2008]


{{s-start}}
{{s-start}}
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{{Subject bar |portal1= Biography |portal2= Catholicism |portal3= Iraq}}
{{Subject bar |portal1= Biography |portal2= Catholicism |portal3= Iraq}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Rahho, Paulos Faraj}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Rahho, Paulos Faraj}}
[[Category:1942 births]]
[[Category:1942 births]]
[[Category:2008 deaths]]
[[Category:2008 deaths]]
[[Category:2008 crimes in Iraq]]
[[Category:2008 murders in Iraq]]
[[Category:21st-century Roman Catholic martyrs]]
[[Category:21st-century Roman Catholic martyrs]]
[[Category:Chaldean archbishops]]
[[Category:Chaldean archbishops]]
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[[Category:People from Mosul]]
[[Category:People from Mosul]]
[[Category:People murdered in Iraq]]
[[Category:People murdered in Iraq]]
[[Category:Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas alumni]]
[[Category:Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas alumni]]
[[Category:Mosul in the Iraq War]]
[[Category:Civilian casualties in the Iraq War]]
[[Category:Terrorist incidents in Mosul]]

Latest revision as of 16:49, 28 October 2024

Paulos Faraj Rahho
Archbishop of the Eparchy of Mosul
SeeArcheparchy of Mosul
In office12 January 2001 – 13 March 2008
PredecessorGeorge Garmo
SuccessorEmil Shimoun Nona
Orders
Ordination10 June 1965
Personal details
Born(1942-11-20)November 20, 1942[citation needed]
Mosul, Iraq
DiedMarch 2008 (aged 65)
Mosul, Iraq

Paulos Faraj Rahho (also known as Paul Faraj Rahho and Paulos Faradsch Raho; Arabic: بولس فرج رحو, Būlus Farağ Raḥū; Syriac: ܦܘܠܘܣ ܦ̮ܪܔ ܪܚܘ, Paulōs Farağ Raḥō; 20 November 1942 – February or March 2008) was a Chaldean Catholic prelate who served as the Archeparch of Mosul[1] in the northern part of Iraq from 2001 until his death in 2008 at the hands of terrorists.[1][2]

Biography

[edit]

Paulos Faraj Rahho was born to a Chaldean Catholic family in 1942. He spent nearly all his life in Mosul, a city with one of the largest and oldest Christian populations in Iraq. In 1954, he entered the St. Peter's junior and major seminary in Baghdad in order to become a priest. After his ordination on June 10, 1965 he briefly worked in Baghdad before being appointed to St. Isiah's Church in Mosul.[1] Between 1974 and 1976, Rahho completed his religious studies with a Licentiate in Theology from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, Angelicum in Rome.[3]

Rahho later founded the church of the Sacred Heart in Tel Keppe, a town some 12 miles (20 km) north of Mosul. He also opened an orphanage for handicapped children.[1]

Archbishop of Mosul

[edit]

On January 12, 2001, the Synod of Bishops of the Chaldean Catholic Church elected him archbishop of the Archeparchy of Mosul.[4] On February 16, 2001, he was ordained Chaldean Archbishop of Mosul, giving him responsibility for around 20,000 Catholics in ten parishes.[1] He was ordained by Mar Raphael I Bidawid, the Patriarch of Babylon. His church is known in Mosul as Safina (The Ship), but parishioners called it the Holy Spirit Church.[2]

Unease with Sharia

[edit]

Rahho expressed disquiet at the moves to incorporate Sharia law more fundamentally into the Iraqi constitution, and continued throughout his life to lead worship in difficult situations.[1] During his 2007 trip to Rome, with the patriarch of Babylon Emmanuel III Delly who was then appointed cardinal, Rahho confided that he had been threatened by gunmen in his native town.[1] Following the start of the Iraq war, persecution of Christians in Iraq increased dramatically.[5] Rahho commented on the precarious situation of Chaldean Christians in an interview with Asia News shortly before his kidnapping.[1]

Kidnapping and death

[edit]

Late on February 29, 2008, according to a report given by the Catholic News Service, Rahho was kidnapped from his car in the Al-Nur district of the city; his bodyguards and driver were killed.[6] According to church officials, "gunmen sprayed the Archbishop's car with bullets, killed two bodyguards and shoved the bishop into the trunk of a car. In the darkness, he managed to pull out his cellphone and call the church, telling officials not to pay a ransom for his release" they said. "He believed that this money would not be paid for good works and would be used for killing and more evil actions," the officials said.[7] Other reports stated that also investigators believed the archbishop may have been shot at the time of the kidnapping.[8]

The kidnappers demanded Christians contribute to the jihad, through jizya.[9] The captors also demanded the release of Arab (non-Iraqi) detainees and that they be paid $3 million for Rahho's release.[9] The kidnappers also demanded that Iraqi Christians form a militia to fight the US forces.[10]

On March 13, 2008, it was reported that Rahho's body had been found buried in a shallow grave near Mosul.[11][12] Officials of the Chaldean Church in Iraq said they had received a call telling them where the body was buried. Reports over the cause of death were contradictory.[13] An official of the morgue in Mosul said the archbishop, who had health problems, including high blood pressure and diabetes, might have died of natural causes. Police at the Mosul morgue said Rahho "appeared to have been dead a week and his body bore no bullet wounds".[13] Nineveh Deputy Governor Khasro Goran stated that when relatives and authorities went to the location specified by the kidnappers and found the body, it had "gunshot wounds".[8] The identity of those behind his murder is disputed. Some Chaldeans within the community believe Al-Qaida and other Sunni Arab factions were behind the murder. Other Christians in Mosul, including the archbishop's family, believe that it was the Kurds who ordered his assassination.[14] Kurdish authorities ordered an investigation and subsequently made several arrests, though their reports have failed to convince the family.

Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho is believed to be the highest-ranking Chaldean Catholic clergyman to have been killed in the Iraq war.[15] The funeral services were held in the town of Karamlesh, with Chaldean Catholic Cardinal Emmanuel Delly in presence.

International reactions

[edit]
  • Vatican City Vatican City: Pope Benedict XVI stated the murder was "an act of inhuman violence that offends the dignity of the human being."[16] "The pope also denounced the 5-year-long Iraq war, saying it had provoked the complete breakup of Iraqi civilian life. 'Enough with the slaughters. Enough with the violence. Enough with the hatred in Iraq!' Benedict said to applause at the end of his Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Square."[17]
  • Iraq Iraq: Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said "the attack was the work of a criminal gang intent on provoking religious strife."[18]
  • United Kingdom United Kingdom: British Foreign Secretary David Miliband said "His [Archbishop Rahho's] kidnapping was a cowardly act perpetrated by individuals who have rejected dialogue and peaceful politics. His killing represents an appalling act of premeditated violence. My thoughts are with the Archbishop's family."[19]
  • United States United States: President Bush was quoted as saying "I send my condolences to the Chaldean community and the people of Iraq. The terrorists will continue to lose in Iraq because they are savage and cruel."[20] The Arab American Institute said "This despicable act against a peaceful leader of a vulnerable (Chaldean) minority community violates every moral code."[21]
  • Chaldean Catholic Church: Patriarch Emmanuel III Delly, who broke down and wept during funeral services in Karamles, urged Christians on Friday not to seek revenge for the death of the archbishop.[22]

Aftermath

[edit]

One of the killers, named Ahmed Ali Ahmed, was found and arrested. Ahmed was an Al-Qaida in Iraq cell leader in Mosul. On 19 May 2008, the Iraqi Central Criminal Court sentenced Ahmed to death. [23] However, high representatives of the Chaldean Catholic Church opposed the death sentence.[24][25] In his will, Rahho called upon the Iraqi Assyrian Christian community to work with Muslim and Yazidi Iraqis to develop ties across religious divisions within Iraq.[26]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Archbishop Paul Faraj Rahho: The Times obituary. 14 March 2008.
  2. ^ a b Kidnapped Iraqi Archbishop Is Dead, The New York Times, March 14, 2008.
  3. ^ "Obituary: Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho". www.theguardian.com. 31 March 2008. Retrieved 1 March 2014.
  4. ^ "Assenso all'elezione dell'Arcivescovo di Mossul dei Caldei". Holy See Press Office. Retrieved 2010-01-07.[permanent dead link‍]
  5. ^ Allbritton, Christopher (2004-09-20). "Iraq's Persecuted Christians". Time. Archived from the original on January 23, 2012.
  6. ^ "Kidnappers take Iraqi Archbishop, Kill his three companions". Catholic News Service. Archived from the original on March 2, 2008. Retrieved 2008-03-14.
  7. ^ Goode, Erica (2008-03-14). "Kidnapped Iraqi Archbishop Is Dead". The New York Times. Retrieved 2008-03-14.
  8. ^ a b "Source: U.S. sent severed fingers of Iraq kidnap victims". CNN. Archived from the original on 2008-03-17. Retrieved 2008-03-13.
  9. ^ a b "Kidnappers of Mosul bishop, raise the ransom". www.asianews.it.
  10. ^ Archbishop’s kidnappers demand to form Christian militia Archived 2016-03-03 at the Wayback Machine, by Aswat Al-Iraq (Voices of Iraq.)
  11. ^ Pullella, Philip (2008-03-13). "Iraqi archbishop found dead, al Qaeda blamed". Reuters. Retrieved 2008-03-13..
  12. ^ "Kidnapped Iraqi archbishop dead". BBC News. 2008-03-13. Retrieved 2008-03-13.
  13. ^ a b "Iraqi police, Mehdi militia clash despite truce". Reuters. 2008-03-14. Retrieved 2008-03-14.
  14. ^ "Iraq's New Battlefront: The Struggle over Ninewa". International Crisis Group (ICG). Retrieved 20 October 2011.
  15. ^ "Christians besieged in Iraq". BBC News. 2008-03-13. Retrieved 2008-03-15.
  16. ^ Pullella, Philip (2008-03-13). "Pope says Iraq archbishop death "inhuman violence"". Reuters. Retrieved 2008-03-15.
  17. ^ Nicole Winfield, "Pope: Enough with slaughters in Iraq," , Associated Press, online, March 16, 2008.
  18. ^ "Iraqi archbishop's killing condemned". Radio New Zealand News. Archived from the original on February 7, 2012. Retrieved 2008-03-15.
  19. ^ "Killing of Iraq archbishop 'appalling,' says Miliband". Iranian Islamic Republic News Agency. Archived from the original on March 18, 2008. Retrieved 2008-03-14.
  20. ^ "Bush condemns Iraq archbishop's 'murder'". AFP. Archived from the original on 2008-03-19. Retrieved 2008-03-15.
  21. ^ "AAI Statement on the Kidnapping of Chaldean Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho". Archived from the original on 2022-11-16. Retrieved 2008-03-15.
  22. ^ "Weeping Christians bury Iraqi archbishop". AFP. Archived from the original on 2008-03-18. Retrieved 2008-03-15.
  23. ^ "Iraq to execute al Qaeda leader in bishop murder". Reuters. 2008-05-18. Archived from the original on January 4, 2013. Retrieved 2008-05-21.
  24. ^ "Iraqi Bishop Assails Execution of Prelate's Abductor". ZENIT. 2008-05-20. Retrieved 2008-05-21.
  25. ^ "Catholic World News : Iraqi bishops oppose execution of prelate's convicted killer". Catholic World News. 2008-05-20. Retrieved 2008-05-21.
  26. ^ "ankawa.com » Blog Archive » Love for our "Muslim brothers and for Iraq" in Mgr Rahho's Will". Archived from the original on 2011-07-17. Retrieved 2008-04-22.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Paulos Faraj Rahho.
Catholic Church titles
Preceded by Chaldean Catholic Archbishop of Mosul
2001 – 2008 		Succeeded by

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