Surge in violence forces subdued Holy Week in Iraq, bishop says

Published: 2004-04-06

ROME (CNS) -- A surge in violence across Iraq put a damper on planned Holy Week and Easter celebrations in Baghdad and the northern city of Mosul. Protests against the U.S.-led coalition by supporters of radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr left more than 50 people dead April 3-4. This latest eruption of violence then triggered renewed fighting between coalition troops and Iraqi insurgents. "The situation is not good, there is no calm, life is not serene. Granted, peace and security would be better," Baghdad's Auxiliary Bishop Shlemon Warduni said in a telephone interview. Bishop Warduni told Catholic News Service April 6 that despite the insecurity the church is still going ahead with Holy Week celebrations as planned, but in a more subdued and cautious manner.

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