A priest in Bangladesh who was helping prepare for the visit of Pope Francis has gone missing, just days before the papal visit.
Ucanews.com report that Father Walter William Rozario, 41, assistant parish priest of Maria Virgo Potens Church in Borni, has been missing since the evening of 27 November. His cellphone has been switched off since then.
The priest went to the Bonpara Christian stronghold area to oversee printing of a souvenir magazine dedicated to two local deacons to be ordained by Pope Francis in Dhaka on 1 December. He disappeared on his way back to his parish by motorbike.
Local church officials filed a police report on the disappearance. Police had not determined whether abduction or personal enmity could be involved, ucan news reported.
Bishop Gervas Rozario of Rajshahi, whose diocese covers the district, expressed concern.
"We suspect this to be kidnapping case as we came to know he received calls from unknown people demanding money," Bishop Rozario said.
In Myanmar, Greg Burke, director of the Vatican press office, told reporters the pope had been informed of the media reports but the Vatican was awaiting further details.
Pope Francis is scheduled to travel from Myanmar to Bangladesh on 30 November.
PICTURE: Women gather outside Holy Rosary Church as they prepare for the arrival of Pope Francis in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The pontiff will visit Bangladesh 30 November to 2 December
Read more in The Tablet from Myanmar and Bangladesh
Christopher Lamb's View from Yangon
Bangladesh papal visit priest goes missing days before Pope's arrival
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