BAGHDAD, September 13 (UPI) Father Saad Hanna Sirop, a Chaldean Catholic priest freed Monday in Iraq, was tortured during his 27 days in captivity.
    
Another Iraqi priest said Sirop is "really tired and exhausted. He was threatened and tortured. He'll be able to talk about his painful and fearful experiences later."
    
Saad was preparing to leave for Rome to receive a university diploma when abducted.
    
Chaldean Patriarch Emmanuel II Delly expressed relief at the priest's release, AsiaNews.it reported Wednesday.
    
"He is free and now is doing well. This is the only thing that counts," said the patriarch, who also thanked "all those who worked to get Father Hanna released."
    
Besides appeals by Patriarch Delly himself and the Chaldean bishops, Pope Benedict XVI joined the many calls for Sirop's release.

ReligionAndSpirituality.com