DEATH PENALTY ASKED FOR RWANDAN BISHOP

VATICAN CITY, MAY 10, 2000 (VIS) - Following is the text of the letter, published today and written by Pope John Paul II to the imprisoned Rwandan prelate, Bishop Augustin Misago of Gikongoro:

"As I receive the painful news of your detention in jail, which has already lasted 13 months, and even more as I learn of the request of the death penalty for you, I feel the need to renew once more assurances of my closeness, and that of the entire Church, to you, beloved pastor of the dear diocese of Gikongoro.

"While I pray your liberty be restored, that you may return to the loving guidance of your diocesan community, I invoke from the Risen Lord the consoling presence of His Spirit, and at the same time send you my heartfelt apostolic blessing."

JPII-LETTER;DEATH PENALTY;...;RWANDA; MISAGO;VIS;20000510;Word: 140;