By Vatican News
Pope Leo has expressed his “immense sadness” over the recent kidnappings of priests, students and members of the Christian faithful in Nigeria and Cameroon, and urged authorities to ensure their liberation.
Some 315 students and teachers were kidnapped on Friday at the St Mary High School in Nigeria’s Niger state.
That same week, in Ndop, Cameroon, six Catholic priests from the Archdiocese of Bamenda were kidnapped. In addition, in the municipality of Jakiri, in the nearby Bui division, a Baptist pastor was abducted.
Speaking after Mass on Sunday in St Peter’s Square, the Pope said he had “learned with immense sadness the news of the kidnappings of priests, faithful, and students in Nigeria and Cameroon.”
“I feel deep sorrow”, the Pope said, “especially for the many boys and girls who have been abducted, and for their anguished families. I make a heartfelt appeal that the hostages be immediately released, and I urge the competent authorities to take appropriate and timely decisions to ensure their liberation.”
Finally, the Pope invited everyone to pray that churches schools might never be the target of violence: “Let us pray for these brothers and sisters of ours, that churches and schools may always and everywhere remain places of safety and hope.”
Ukraine, Türkiye, Lebanon
Before reciting the noonday Angelus prayer, Pope Leo also greeted the Ukrainian faithful present for the Mass, urging them to “take home the embrace and prayers of this square”.
The Pope also mentioned his upcoming Apostolic Journey, the first of his pontificate, to Türkiye and Lebanon. He will leave for Türkiye on Thursday, Nov 27, part of the celebrations of the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, today’s Iznik.
In this regard, the Pope cited the publication of his Apostolic Letter ‘In Unitate Fidei,’ dedicated to Christian unity and 325AD Nicene Creed, announcing its publication today. – Vatican News
