“Many people will face socioeconomic exclusion if the order is implemented.”

Cardinal Dieudone Nzapalainga of Bangui joined Imam Omar Kobine Layama March 26 in denouncing the priest's killing.

The AsiaNews agency said Mindong Bishop Vincent Guo Xijin and his chancellor were taken away Monday, at the start of Holy Week.

Bishop Edwin de la Pena of Marawi assured Catholics in the region that other parishes not affected by the fighting will continue their ministries.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan, noting that Catholics are observing Holy Week, said that Fire Department of New York Lt. Michael Davidson gave his life for others, as Jesus did.

"I particularly recognize the generous and heroic act of Lieutenant-Colonel Arnaud Beltrame who gave his life out of a desire to protect people," the pope said.