The Vatican has confirmed the beheading of a Catholic priest in Syria.
Franciscan Father Francois Murad was killed by Syrian jihadists on June 23.
Catholic Online reports jihadits accused Father Francois of collaborating with the Assad regime.
The publication has obtained this video it believes shows his beheading.
(Warning – this video contains extremely graphic footage. Please use caution in viewing)
[jwplayer 2LxISTDN]
According to a news release from the Vatican published by Catholic Online, Murad was killed in Gassanieh, in northern Syria, in the convent of the Custody of the Holy Land where he had taken refuge.
The news release states, “The circumstances of the death are not fully understood. According to local sources, the monastery where Fr. Murad was staying was attacked by militants linked to the jihadi group Jabhat al-Nusra.”
Archbishop Jacques Behnan Hindo, titular of the Syrian Catholic archeparchy in Hassaké-Nisibis said, “Lately, father Murad sent me some messages that clearly showed how conscious he was of living in a dangerous situation, and offered his life for peace in Syria and around the world. ”
