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Pope León XIV Issues Angelus Appeal for Immediate Release of Kidnapped in Nigeria and Cameroon

The appeal follows kidnappings cited by church sources in Kaduna as well as Kebbi, reflecting a surge in assaults on schools and worship sites.

Overview

  • Speaking at the Angelus in St. Peter’s Square, the Pope urged national authorities and the international community to secure an immediate release of hostages and to strengthen protections for schools and churches.
  • He voiced deep sorrow for the victims—especially the young—and asked the faithful to pray so churches and classrooms remain places of safety and hope.
  • Church officials confirmed that Fr. Bobbo Paschal, parish priest of St. Stephen in Kushe Gudgu Kagarko, Kaduna state, was abducted on November 17.
  • Aid to the Church in Need reported that at least 25 girls were taken from Maga Girls’ Secondary School in Kebbi state’s Danko/Wasagu area.
  • ACN’s 2025 Religious Freedom report lists Nigeria under persecution with Boko Haram and ISWAP active, and no releases in the cited cases had been announced by Sunday.