Pope Francis prays for kidnapped priests, nun

Last updated on: April 5, 2014 at 5:39 pm by CNA Daily News

Pope Francis prays for kidnapped priests, nun 2014-04-05T17:39:00+00:00 CNA Daily News

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Vatican City, Apr 5, 2014 / 11:39 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Francis is remembering in his prayers two Italian priests and a Canadian religious sister who were kidnapped in Cameroon Friday night.

Vatican Radio reports that Pope Francis “hopes for a rapid and positive solution to the affair.” He “remains in constant contact with the nunciature.”

The two priests and religious sister were kidnapped by armed persons around midnight on April 4. The identity of the kidnappers is unknown at this time, although the Islamic militia Boko Haram has been known to operate in the area, Reuters reports.

Fathers Giampaolo Marta and Gianantonio Allegri are priests of northeastern Italy’s Diocese of Vicenza. They work as missionaries in the Diocese of Maroua in the north of Cameroon, along with Sister Gilberte Bissiere. They were helping improve water supplies and combat the spread of HIV / AIDS.

During Lent, the priests’ religious activities included the preparation of catechumens and children for baptism during the Easter vigil.

In a March 12 letter posted on the Vicenza diocese’s missions website, Fr. Allegri described the political situation. He wrote “the situation of insecurity in the territory has not changed: even if outwardly here one does not perceive (it to be) particularly alarming, it is palpable in our feelings and in our conversations.”

“We know that on the border with Nigeria, the police and the military are committed to ensuring that there are no leaks,” his letter continued, adding that the regional governor has asked that Europeans moving in groups should have a police escort.

“However, rest assured, we are calm and confident in the Father whom we preach, merciful and great in love,” the priest said.

According to a statement from the Diocese of Vicenza, “the situation is a source of great concern for the whole diocesan community.” At the recommendation of the ministry of foreign affairs, the diocese said, it is not issuing specific statements “in order to avoid complicating an already extremely delicate situation.”

Vicenza’s Bishop Beniamino Pizziol had visited the missionaries in Cameroon in January. He said he will hold a prayer vigil for them Saturday evening.

Vatican

Previous Post

April 5, 2014

Brazil's bishops take responsibility for backing junta

Next Post

April 5, 2014 Work on others’ behalf, Pope tells politicians

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Americas Asia - Pacific Europe Middle East - Africa Uncategorized US Vatican

Select a Month November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What religious movement emphasizes unity among all Christians globally?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Pietism Adventism Ecumenism Monasticism