Per Christum

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Pope to Baptize Prominent Muslim

By NICOLE WINFIELD – 3 hours ago

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Italy’s most prominent Muslim commentator is converting to Catholicism by being baptized by the pope at an Easter vigil, the Vatican announced Saturday.

Magdi Allam is the deputy editor of the Corriere della Sera newspaper and writes often on Muslim and Arab affairs. Born in Egypt, he has described himself as a non-practicing Muslim. He has long spoken out against extremism and in favor of tolerance.

Pope Benedict XVI was baptizing seven adults during the service, which marks the period between Good Friday, which commemorates Jesus’ crucifixion, and Easter Sunday, which marks his resurrection.

The Vatican spokesman, the Rev. Federico Lombardi, said of Allam before the service that anyone who chooses to become a Catholic of his or her own free will has the right to receive the sacrament.

Lombardi said the pope administers the sacrament “without making any ‘difference of people,’ that is, considering all equally important before the love of God and welcoming all in the community of the Church.”

Benedict opened the lengthy nighttime service by blessing a white candle, which he then carried down the main aisle of the darkened St. Peter’s Basilica. Slowly, the pews began to light up as his flame was shared with candles carried by the faithful, until the whole basilica twinkled and the main lights came on. READ ALL

May God grant him many years in health and happiness.

May his conversion light the way for many more!

UPDATE ZENIT: Magdi Allam Recounts His Path To The Catholic Church

UPDATE: baptized by pope says life in danger “He said he made his decision to convert after years of deep soul searching and asserted that the Catholic Church has been ‘too prudent about conversions of Muslims.’”