Pope Leo XIV. called on Sunday for the release of more than 300 hostages who were kidnapped by gunmen in Nigeria from one of the Catholic schools there. TASR informs according to the report of AFP and APA agencies.
- Pope Leo XIV. called for the release of 300 hostages kidnapped in Nigeria.
- He called for the safety of churches and schools as places of hope.
- He announced his upcoming apostolic journey to Turkey and Lebanon.
- The trip to Turkey commemorates the anniversary of the First Council of Nice.
- Leo XIV. is the first American Pope, he took office in May 2023.
During the traditional Sunday prayer of the Angel of the Lord in St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican, Leo spoke of his “great sorrow” over the mentioned events and expressed his special condolences to the kidnapped children and young people, as well as their families. “It was with great sadness that I heard the news about the kidnapping of priests, religious and students,” the pope said, making a “sincere appeal for the immediate release of the hostages.”
“I urge the relevant authorities to act quickly and appropriately to secure the release of the hostages. Let us pray that churches and schools everywhere remain safe places of hope and protection.” said Lev. The Pope also addressed a greeting to the faithful from Ukrainian dioceses. “Carry the embrace and prayer of this square to your homeland,” said the Pope at the end of the Mass in Saint Peter’s Square.
Leo XIV. he also addressed the topic of his upcoming trip to Turkey and Lebanon, which will be his first apostolic trip, APA recalls. The reason for his visit to Turkey, which will take place from November 27 to 30, is the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nice.
Leo XIV. (real name Robert Prevost) became Pope on May 8 this year after his predecessor died on Easter Sunday after a 12-year pontificate. Argentine Pope Francis. Seventy-year-old Leo XIV, who has done missionary work in Peru, is the first pope from the United States.
