Pope urges release of abducted students in Nigeria

Pope Leo

Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost, on Sunday urged the immediate release of more than 300 people abducted in a series of mass kidnappings targeting schools in Nigeria, describing the news as a source of immense sadness, Vatican News reported.

“I learned with immense sadness the news of the kidnappings of priests, faithful, and students in Nigeria and Cameroon”, the Pope said during his address at the end of the Angelus prayer at the Vatican.

The Christian Association of Nigeria announced on Saturday that gunmen had seized over 300 students and teachers in coordinated raids on two schools.

“I make a heartfelt appeal for the immediate release of the hostages,” Pope Leo said, expressing his deep sorrow, especially for the many young boys and girls kidnapped and for their anguished families. Punch