Pope Leo Appeals for Release of Hostages in Nigeria and Cameroon

Vatican City, November 23, 2025: Pope Leo has issued a strong appeal for the immediate release of priests, students, and members of the Christian faithful who were kidnapped in recent days in Nigeria and Cameroon. Speaking after Mass on the Solemnity of Christ the King in St Peter’s Square, he expressed his “immense sadness” over the escalating incidents of abduction and urged authorities to act swiftly to secure their freedom.

According to reports, 315 students and teachers were taken on Friday from St Mary High School in Nigeria’s Niger State. In the same week, six Catholic priests from the Archdiocese of Bamenda were abducted in Ndop, Cameroon. A Baptist pastor was also kidnapped in Jakiri, within the Bui division.

“I feel deep sorrow,” the Pope said, “especially for the many boys and girls who have been abducted, and for their anguished families.” He made a heartfelt plea for the hostages to be released without delay and called on the responsible authorities to take decisive and timely action to ensure their liberation.

Pope Leo also invited the faithful to pray that churches and schools never become targets of violence. “Let us pray for these brothers and sisters of ours,” he said. “May churches and schools always and everywhere remain places of safety and hope.”

Prayers for Ukraine, and Focus on Türkiye and Lebanon

Before leading the noonday Angelus prayer, Pope Leo greeted Ukrainians present in St. Peter’s Square, urging them to “take home the embrace and prayers of this square.”

He went on to highlight his upcoming Apostolic Journey—the first of his pontificate—to Türkiye and Lebanon. He will depart for Türkiye on Thursday, 27 November, as part of the celebrations marking the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, in today’s city of Iznik.

In this context, the Pope mentioned the publication of his Apostolic Letter In unitate fidei, a document dedicated to Christian unity and the Nicene Creed of 325 AD, released earlier the same day.

Pope Leo ended his address by encouraging continued prayer for peace, safety, and the protection of vulnerable communities affected by violence.

Courtesy: Vatican News

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