23.11.2025
Pope Leo XIV on called for the release of over 315 hostages taken from the St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri in the Agwarra local government area of Niger state.
“I learned with immense sadness the news of the kidnappings of priests, faithful, and students in Nigeria and Cameroon,” he said.
“I feel deep sorrow”, the Pope said, “especially for the many boys and girls who have been abducted, and for their anguished families.
“I make a heartfelt appeal that the hostages be immediately released, and I urge the competent authorities to take appropriate and timely decisions to ensure their liberation.”
“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,” he said at the end of the Angelus prayer.
The attackers stormed the school, said to be a private Catholic school, in the early hours of last Friday.
Sources said the gunmen arrived in large numbers, riding on over 60 motorcycles and accompanied by a van.
According to Catholic Bishop of Kontogora and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Niger State chairman 315 students and teachers were abducted by the gunmen.
Pope Leo XIV...