Francis meets brother of British aid worker murdered by Islamic State

Pope Francis this morning met with the brother of a British aid worker murdered by Islamic State jihadists last year.

Mike Haines, the brother of David, met with the Pope after the General Audience at the Vatican today. Since his brother’s execution Mike has worked to encourage interreligious dialogue and to urge faiths to work together to combat radicalisation.

Family members of victims of Islamic State beheadings walk forward to greet Pope Francis during general audience in St Peter's Square. Photo:CNS photo/Paul Haring

Aid worker David, who died aged 44, was a father of two. He was abducted last year while working in a refugee camp in Syria. A video showing his murder was circulated by Islamic State in September.

Shortly after David’s death, Mike Haines co-signed a letter with Barbara Henning, the widow of Alan Henning, who was also murdered by jihadists, calling for “unity of people of all faiths in our society”.

He was accompanied at the meeting today by an East London imam, Shahnawaz Haque.

Speaking ahead of the Audience, the British Ambassador to the Holy See Nigel Baker said: “Mike Haines will be bringing to the Vatican his message of interreligious understanding. Pope Francis has called for a common commitment to end fighting, hatred and violence. Mike Haines is living that commitment in an extraordinary way.”