Abducted in Iraq: A Priest in Baghdad

This riveting book documents Bishop Hanna's twenty-eight days in captivity in Iraq as he struggles through threats, torture, and doubt.

How do we respond in the face of evil, especially to those who inflict grave evil upon us? Abducted in Iraq is Bishop Saad Sirop Hanna’s firsthand account of his abduction in 2006 by a militant group associated with al-Qaeda. As a young parish priest and visiting lecturer, Fr. Hanna was kidnapped after celebrating Mass on August 15 at Babel College near Baghdad. His plight attracted international attention after Pope Benedict XVI requested prayers for the safe return of the young priest.

Through extreme hardship, the young priest gains a greater knowledge both of his faith and of remaining true to himself. This riveting narrative reflects the experience of persecuted Christians all over the world today, especially the plight of Iraqi Christians who continue to live and hold their faith against tremendous odds. The book sheds light on the complex political and spiritual situation that Catholics face in predominantly non-Christian nations. More than just a story of one man, it is also the story of a suffering and persecuted people.

© 2017 University of Notre Dame Press (Ebook): 9780268102968

Release date

Ebook: September 30, 2017