BARBARIC: Evil ISIS jihadis ‘crucify’ kidnapped Catholic priest on Good Friday

AN INDIAN Catholic priest kidnapped by Islamic extremists was crucified on Good Friday, it has been claimed.

Father Tom Uzhunnalil, 56, was kidnapped by Islamist gunmen reportedly linked to Islamic State (ISIS) earlier this month after attacking an old people’s home, killing at least 15 people.

The terrorists crucified Father Thomas on Good Friday after threatening to carry out the barbaric act earlier in the week, according to the Archbishop of Vienna.

It is not known how the Archbishop became aware of Father Thomas' alleged fate, but his confirmation of the crucifixion during Easter Vigil Mass was reported in Austrian media.

A spokesperson for the cardinal today admitted that while he did say that the priest has been crucified, he has no confirmation of Father Thomas' fate.

Arhdiocese Vienna's head of media relations, Michael Prüller, said: “The cardinal based his statements on news published on Arabic language web sites.

“The validity of this information has, however, not been confirmed.

“The cardinal doesn't himself have any sources that have confirmed the death of Father Tom.

“Thus, for the time being, there's still basis for hope that Father Tom is alive.”

Several religious groups reportedly received threats that Father Thomas would be crucified on Good Friday, but this was denied by his church in his hometown Bangalore, India.

The external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj yesterday confirmed the government was desperately trying to rescue the priest.

Mrs Swaraj said: “Father Tom Uzhunnalil — an Indian national from Kerala was abducted by a terror group in Yemen. We are making all efforts to secure his release."

Authorities in Yemen blamed ISIS for the attack on a refuge for the elderly operated by Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity which led to Father Tom’s abduction.

Father Tom had been brutally tortured by the sick jihadis since his abduction.

Four gunmen posing as relatives of one of the guests at the home burst inside, killing four Indian nuns, two Yemeni female staff members, eight elderly residents and a guard.

A Christian group based in South Africa had reported that the priest now faced death by crucifixion over Easter — one of Christianity's holiest celebrations.

The Franciscan Sisters of Siessen posted on Facebook: "Was informed that the Salesian priest, Fr.Tom who was kidnapped by ISIS from the Missionaries of Charity Home in Yemen is being tortured and is going to be crucified on Good Friday.

"This calls for serious concerted prayers from all of us."