Pope Leo urged the faithful to pray for victims of kidnapping this week in Africa, and called on authorities to do what is possible to ensure their release.
The Holy Father mentioned the tragedy this Feast of Christ the King before praying the midday Angelus.
In Ndop, Cameroon, six Catholic priests from the Archdiocese of Bamenda were kidnapped. In addition, in the municipality of Jakiri, in the nearby Bui division, a Baptist pastor was abducted.
And in Nigeria, more than 300 school kids and a dozen staff were kidnapped. See details here.
The Pope said:
I was deeply saddened to learn of the kidnapping of priests, faithful, and students in Nigeria and Cameroon. I feel great pain, above all for the many young men and women who have been abducted and for their distressed families. I make a heartfelt appeal for the immediate release of the hostages and urge the competent authorities to take appropriate and timely decisions to ensure their release. Let us pray for these brothers and sisters of ours, and that churches and schools may always and everywhere remain places of safety and hope.
