During the November 23 Angelus, the Holy Father urged authorities to act for the immediate release of the hostages
ACN.— Pope Leo XIV has denounced the situation of Christians in Nigeria and Cameroon, where more than 200 Christians have been kidnapped in recent days. He did so during the Angelus prayer on Sunday, November 23, before the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
“I have received with immense sadness the news of the kidnapping of priests, faithful, and students in Nigeria and Cameroon. I feel deep sorrow, especially for the many boys and girls who have been abducted, and for their anguished families,” the Holy Father said.
For this reason, he made an urgent appeal to the authorities of both countries to take action to rescue them:
“I make a vehement appeal for the immediate release of the hostages and urge the competent Authorities to adopt the necessary measures to achieve it,” he said.
Finally, Leo XIV asked the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square to unite in prayer for the abducted. He also prayed for the safety of Christian churches and schools in Nigeria and Cameroon, so that they “may always and everywhere remain safe places of hope.”
Violence Against Christians in Africa
The Pope’s words come after several attacks against Christians in these countries. On November 17, a Catholic priest was kidnapped in Kaduna, Nigeria, following an assault on his parish residence.
In addition, at least 25 female students were abducted by an armed group in the Nigerian state of Kebbi. Meanwhile, similar incidents have taken place in Cameroon.
According to the Religious Freedom in the World Report 2025 by the pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), Nigeria is classified as a “country under persecution,” indicating that it faces grave, systematic, and ongoing violations of religious freedom. Armed extremist organizations such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) continue to operate in the northeast. In the central belt, violence has intensified, with churches burned and faithful killed.
