Pope Calls for Hostage Release from Vatican
On Sunday, November 23, 2025, Pope Leo XIV made a fervent appeal from St. Peter's Square in Vatican City for the immediate release of students and priests recently kidnapped in Nigeria and Cameroon. Speaking after Mass on the Solemnity of Christ the King, the Pontiff expressed his 'immense sadness' over the escalating incidents of abduction in the West African nations.
Details of Nigerian Abductions
The Pope's appeal specifically addressed the mass kidnapping in Nigeria's Niger State, where 315 students and teachers were abducted from St. Mary High School on Friday. Reports indicate that approximately 50 of the kidnapped students have since escaped their captors, though 253 students and 12 teachers remain in captivity. Additionally, an earlier incident saw 25 schoolgirls forcibly removed from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State. These events are part of a broader surge of violence targeting schools and communities in Nigeria.
Kidnappings in Cameroon
In Cameroon, the Pontiff highlighted the abduction of six Catholic priests from the Archdiocese of Bamenda in Ndop. A Baptist pastor was also kidnapped in Jakiri, within the Bui division. While most of the Cameroonian hostages have been released, Father John Berinyuy Tatah, a parish priest, is reportedly still being held for ransom. The Archdiocese of Bamenda has stated its policy against paying ransoms and called for the closure of schools and churches in the affected deanery if Father Tatah is not released.
A Plea for Safety and Hope
Expressing 'deep pain, especially for the many boys and girls who have been abducted, and for their anguished families,' Pope Leo XIV made a 'heartfelt appeal for the immediate release of the hostages.' He urged 'competent authorities to take appropriate and timely decisions to ensure their release.' The Pope also called on the faithful to pray that 'churches and schools may always and everywhere remain places of safety and hope.'
5 Comments
Noir Black
This is just for show. The real problem is governance in those countries.
KittyKat
While it's important for the Pope to raise awareness, a verbal appeal might not be enough to secure releases. Concrete diplomatic pressure is also needed from international bodies.
Katchuka
Such a vital call for immediate action. Hope it makes a difference.
Leonardo
It's good to see the Church using its platform to highlight these atrocities, especially for the innocent students. However, the root causes of instability and violence in these regions need much deeper systemic solutions than just appeals.
eliphas
Too little, too late for these families. Where was this urgency before?