The Algerian government has agreed that the beatification Mass for the seven French monks kidnapped from their monastery in Tibhirine and murdered in 1996 can take place in the Mediterranean coastal city of Oran, its foreign minister has said.
Abdelkader Messahel told France 24 television in an interview that Pope Francis would be welcome for the occasion.
According to the Paris daily Libération, the Pope is considering a one-day trip to preside over the beatification of all 19 religious victims of 1990s Islamist extremist violence in Algeria, among them Oran’s former bishop, Pierre Claverie.
Francis recognised them in January as martyrs “killed in hatred of the faith”.
A papal visit would be a sensitive mission but Algeria’s Catholic bishops want the ceremony to take place in Oran to stress the martyrs’ links with the Algerian people and their efforts to promote understanding between Christians and Muslims.
“Algeria has agreed to the beatification of these monks and has signalled this to the Vatican,” said Mr Messahel, when asked about the case. “The beatification will take place in a few months… in Oran.” Asked if the Pope would attend, he said: “Let’s see, why not?”
Loading ...
