Parishioner explains prayer request for Osama bin Laden

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - A Palm Springs man has become a hot topic after making an unusual prayer request for Sunday Mass.

Henry Borga says he paid ten dollars to put Osama bin Laden's name on the same list as four other people.

The secretary at the Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church thought it was a joke, but Borga says when he made the request, he was not laughing.

The face of Osama bin Laden is one that incites anger and hate, but Borga says, "He needs forgiveness and compassion from God."

Around Borga's home, pictures of his faith to Jesus Christ are evident. He came up with the idea of praying for Osama bin Laden shortly after his death and due to the manner in which people celebrated bin Laden's killing.

His teenage son says he was surprised once he heard the request his father made.

"It was a shocker, I was shocked by what he did," he says.

As unusual and unexpected as the request may have been, Father Gavin Badway of Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church says it's a request they must honor.

"Some people, from their emotions, don't want us to pray for him. I can understand that, but we cannot do that," says Father Badway. "We are to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us."

Borga says he will certainly be in church with eyes closed in prayer.

"That's what God taught us to do," he states.

Borga says he also prayed for the families and victims of 9/11.