Murder of priest highlights growing violence against Iraqi Catholics

Father Raghid Ganni and three of his assistants were leaving an evening mass at the Holy Spirit Church in Mosul on May 3 when they were ambushed and shot, according to AFP. Catholic leaders are blaming al-Qaeda for the killing, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported Monday.

Violence and threats of violence have caused almost half of Iraqi Christians to flee their homes, according to local Christian leaders. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki stated that the government has met with Christian community leaders to present a plan for protecting the vulnerable group from insurgents.

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