Pope Leo XIV has made a heartfelt appeal for the immediate release of 315 students and staff kidnapped from St. Mary's Catholic School in Nigeria's Niger State. The abduction, which occurred on Friday, is one of the worst mass kidnappings in Nigeria's history. ¹ ² ³
The Pope expressed his deep sorrow and pain, especially for the young boys and girls who have been taken and their anguished families. He urged the competent authorities to take appropriate and timely decisions to ensure the hostages' release.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) reported that gunmen stormed the school, taking 303 students and 12 teachers. The attack has sparked widespread concern, with the Nigerian government shutting 47 colleges and schools in some states.
The Pope's appeal comes as the international community, including US President Donald Trump, calls for action to address the growing security threat in Nigeria. The kidnapping is the latest in a series of attacks on schools and churches in the country. ⁴
