Statement on Iraq hostage crisis from Archbishop of Liverpool

The Most Reverend Patrick Kelly, Archbishop of Liverpool issued the following statement today: 'For many months the Holy Land and Iraq have been held in prayer, especially at Mass. At this time the agony of Mr Kenneth Bigley and his family have given a new intensity to that prayer above all on Merseyside. Without doubt this affectionate and sincere prayer will not fail to accompany all those so terribly pained in these dark days.'