Al-Qaeda-linked fighters in Syria abducted an Italian priest known for his peace activism and who has expressed his opinion championing the anti-government uprising in Syria on Vatican Radio. He has now been freed. While reasons for Father Jacques Mourad’s release are unknown, a source told AFP that he said Mass yesterday for the first time since his abduction. He has ministered to Qaryatayn's Syriac Catholic community for 12 years. 2,000 Christians lived there before the war, none remain now, but the Priest works to promote Christian/Muslim dialogue and his ministry has been fruitful. Priests are fully aware of the risks they run, but they remain alongside the Syrian people, both Christians and Muslims. Often they are the only ones people have to turn to. When asked if he was intending to leave the area he said that he would do so only if forced - otherwise he would remain with his people. See also: http://www.sconews.co.uk/news/30317/italian-jesuit-priest-and-peace-activist-kidnapped-in-syria/