Caritas is deeply saddened by the murder of Bishop Liuigi Padovese, Vicar Apostolic of Anatolia and President of Caritas Turkey.

Bishop Padovese was attacked Thursday in his home in the Mediterranean port of Iskenderun. The police suspect his driver.

Caritas Internationalis President Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga said, “Mons. Padovese was a gentle, dedicated and courageous leader and pastor.”

Cardinal Rodriguez is attending a regional meeting of European Caritas members in El Escorial, Madrid, Spain, including Caritas Turkey representatives.

“The violence of his death is shocking. The whole Caritas family unites in prayer for the family and friend of Mons Padovese,” said Cardinal Rodriguez.

Please contact Patrick Nicholson on 00393343590700 or Nicholson@caritas.va