Pope appeals for release of priest abducted in Iraq

VATICAN CITY, Aug 19 (Reuters) Pope Benedict appealed today for the release of an Iraqi Catholic priest kidnapped in Baghdad.

Father Saad Syrop Hanna, of the Chaldean Catholic Church, was abducted on August 15. Abductions of clerics are frequent in Baghdad but the victims are usually released quickly.

In a telegram sent in the Pope's name to the head of the Chaldean Church, the Vatican's secretary of state said the Pope was ''deeply saddened'' by the abduction.

''His Holiness makes a heartfelt appeal to the abductors to release the young priest at once, so that he can return to the service of God, the Christian community and his countrymen,'' the telegram said.

''The Holy Father's thoughts also go to all the victims of abduction in your country and he prays that this dreadful scourge, as well as the terrible daily bloodshed which delays the dawn of reconciliation and rebuilding will finally come to an end,'' it said.

The Chalean Catholic Church is an Eastern Rite church that is in communion with Rome.

REUTERS DKA BST1851