The head of the Catholic Church in the world, Pope Leo XIV, has called on authorities to work hard to secure the release of 315 people, mostly schoolchildren, who were kidnapped by armed groups in Nigeria.
He made the remarks during a Mass celebrated in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on November 23, 2025.
He said, “I was deeply saddened to hear the news of the kidnapping of priests, lay people and students in Nigeria and Cameroon. I am deeply saddened by the many young men and women who have been kidnapped, and by the grief and despair of their families.”
He added that he sincerely requested that “these kidnapped people be released immediately, and I ask the relevant authorities to take appropriate and prompt measures to ensure their speedy release.”
The number of students who were kidnapped is 302, while the number of teachers is 13. The kidnapped students account for half of all students studying at this school.
