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30 October 2008, 10:12Alexy II condoles over the murder of two Jesuit priests in Moscow
Moscow, October 30, Interfax - Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia extended his condolences in connection with the murder of two members of the Catholic Society of Jesus (Jesuit Order), that had happened not long ago in central Moscow.
"I condole over the tragic murder. Our common duty is to pray for the repose of these people," Alexy II said addressing the President of the Bishops' Conference of France Cardinal Andre Vingt-Trois after their meeting in St. Daniel's Monastery, Moscow.
As was reported, the bodies of two Jesuit priests Otto Messmer and Viktor Betancourt were found stabbed in the apartment located at Petrovka, 19, building 5, which is owned by the religious organization.
Rev. Otto, a Russian national, was born in Karaganda to a big family of German Catholics on July 7, 1966. He joined the Society of Jesus on September 1, 1982 in Vilnius. He was ordained a priest on May 29, 1988. Since 2002, he was a Rector of the Russian Independent Region of the Society of Jesus.
Rev. Victor, a citizen of Ecuador, was born on July 7, 1966. He joined the organization on September 14, 1984 and was educated in Argentina and Germany. He presented his thesis for a Doctor's degree in the Papal Gregorian University in Rome. Since 2001, Rev. Viktor worked in Russia. He prepared candidates for the Society of Jesus and since 2008 acted as a representative at St. Thomas Institute of Philosophy, Theology and History in Moscow.
According to their counterparts, both priests actively helped St. Louis church in Moscow.
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