Pope Leo XIV expressed his 'deep concern' over the kidnappings of priests, faithful, and students in Nigeria and Cameroon during his Angelus message, making an 'urgent appeal' to the authorities of both countries to take immediate action to ensure the release of the hostages. At the same time, the Pontiff invited all the faithful to pray for peace and for churches and schools to remain as spaces of safety and hope, as reported by the Argentine News Agency. The Holy Father expressed his sorrow for the situation faced by the hostages and their loved ones. 'I feel a deep pain, especially for the many young people kidnapped and for their distressed families,' he declared. In light of this situation, he made 'a sincere appeal for the hostages to be released immediately'. He also requested prayers: 'Let us pray for these brothers and sisters, and so that in all places and at all times the churches and schools may remain as places of safety and hope'. In another passage of his message, Pope Leo XIV greeted the faithful who participated in the jubilee celebration, with special recognition for the choirs that came from all over the world. He also announced his upcoming apostolic trip to Turkey and Lebanon for the celebration of the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. The Pontiff extended his message to pilgrims, specifically mentioning the members of the ACLI of the Diocese of Teramo-Atri and the faithful of some Ukrainian dioceses. Finally, the Holy Father recalled the celebration of World Youth Day in various dioceses, encouraging young people to 'discover the beauty of following Christ and to dedicate themselves to building a world based on love, justice, and peace'.
