Vatican City: Pope Leo has made a strong appeal for the immediate release of students, priests and other members of the Christian community who were kidnapped recently in Nigeria and Cameroon. Speaking after Mass for the Solemnity of Christ the King in St Peter’s Square, he said he received the news with “immense sadness”.
Pope referred to the abduction of around 315 students and teachers from St Mary High School in Niger state, Nigeria, on Friday. He also expressed concern for six Catholic priests from the Archdiocese of Bamenda who were kidnapped in Ndop, Cameroon, as well as a Baptist pastor abducted in Jakiri, in the Bui division.
“I feel deep sorrow, especially for the many boys and girls who have been abducted, and for their anguished families,” he said. Pope Leo appealed to those responsible to release all hostages without delay and urged authorities to take responsible and timely action to secure their freedom.
He also invited people around the world to pray so that churches and schools remain places of safety and hope for all communities.
Before the Angelus prayer, Pope Leo greeted Ukrainian pilgrims and encouraged them to “take home the embrace and prayers of this square”.
Pope also spoke about his upcoming Apostolic Journey to TĂĽrkiye and Lebanon, his first international trip as pontiff. He will depart on 27 November to join celebrations marking the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea in the city of Iznik. During his address, he announced the publication of his Apostolic Letter 'In Unitate Fidei', dedicated to Christian unity and the Nicene Creed of 325 AD.