Note from the translator: Silvia Romano is an Italian aid worker who was kidnapped in Kenya from the well-known terrorist group Al Shabab. During her detention, she converted to Islam and adopted the name of Aisha. 1
In the article of May 10th published on Famiglia Cristiana (Christian Family, an Italian magazine in the Catholic mold) after Silvia’s liberation from the terrorists, Alberto Pellai praises the strenght e the fortitude of Silvia Romano as a model for our youth.2
The same Pellai, in an article of May 11th (the day after), explains the conversion of the young aid worker as an effect of the well known “Stockholm syndrome”, which doesn’t fit the idea of strength of mind and character. At the end of the article, he confirms his opinion on the admirable Silvia’s strength (even though the text is smaller in this part).3
Regardless of the Stockholm syndrome, the conversion to Islam can be hardly considered a showdown from a christian. And above all, we should consider that the Roman Catholic Church has been constantly praising the firmness of the martyrs for the faith.
Last but not least, we should consider that 250 millions ca. of Christians are still persecuted for their faith, especially in Muslim countries, and they pay a very high price of blood in order to remain faithful to the Christ.
Translated by
Marco Di Caprio
Notes
1 Italian aid worker kidnapped. BBC News. Archived from the original on May 10, 2020.
2 Alberto Pellai, La forza di Silvia Romano. Famiglia Cristiana. Archived from the original on May 10, 2020. (In Italian)
3 Alberto Pellai, Silvia Romano e la Sindrome di Stoccolma. Famiglia Cristiana. Archived from the original on May 11, 2020. (In Italian)
PROF. PIETRO MASSOLO 