Pope Calls for Release of Hundreds Kidnapped From Nigerian School

Pope Calls for Release of Hundreds Kidnapped From Nigerian School
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Pope Leo on Sunday urged the swift release of students and staff abducted from a Catholic school in Nigeria, Reuters reported. The mass kidnapping took place on Friday when armed men stormed St. Mary’s School in the country’s northwest, taking students and teachers, according to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

The government has since closed 47 schools following a surge in similar attacks. CAN said it revised the number of abductees to 315 after a verification process, up from an initial estimate of 227. Speaking after mass at St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo expressed deep sorrow over the kidnappings in both Nigeria and Cameroon, noting the suffering of the young victims and their families.

He appealed for the immediate release of all hostages and called on authorities to take decisive steps to secure their freedom. The pope also urged prayers for the safety of churches and schools worldwide.