#RedVenice for persecuted Christians

The city of Venice was illuminated in red on Tuesday night, as an expression of solidarity with persecuted Christians around the world.

Eight historic Venetian buildings, as well as the Rialto Bridge and the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, were lit up in red. During the evening, young people from the Archdiocese of Venice made a walking pilgrimage through the city to pray for persecuted Christians.

Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin sent a message on the Pope's behalf to Patriarch Francesco Moraglia of Venice expressing his support for the event which was sponsored by the Patriarchate of Venice and Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).

"The Holy Father is sending his affectionate greetings to the young people taking part in the diocesan pilgrimage promoted by the Patriarchate of Venice and the Aid to the Church in Need foundation, to sensitise public opinion on the drama of numerous Christians persecuted for their faith," Cardinal Parolin wrote in the message.

He said the Pope hopes the "provident initiative will arouse due attention on the part of all to the serious problem of discrimination that Christians suffer in many parts of the world".

The message noted there are many countries where a single religion is imposed or where there is violent persecution or systematic cultural mockery of the disciples of Jesus, denying them religious freedom, which, the Pope said, is a fundamental human right that must be recognized because it reflects man's highest dignity.

Cardinal Parolin said the Pope is encouraging prayers so that Christians who find themselves in difficult conditions can prove themselves strong in the face of trials, feeling the closeness of the entire Catholic community, so they can be a seed of new vitality and hope for the Church.

The Holy Father encouraged all participants in the #RedVenice initiative "to be builders of reconciliation and peace everywhere".
Rome's most famous landmark, the Colosseum, was lit up in red on February 24 this year in a similar event as a sign of solidarity with all those who are persecuted for their faith.

The #RedVenice event focussed attention on women who suffer for their faith, especially Asia Bibi, the Pakistani Catholic woman on death row since 2010 who was acquitted of blasphemy by the country's Supreme Court on October 31.

In a video message sent to Aid to the Church in Need on the eve of #RedVenice, Asia Bibi's daughter, Eisham Ashiq expressed her gratitude to all for their prayers and efforts for her mother. She hopes her family will be reunited finally and be able to visit Venice soon.