Kidnappings
The Latest
Two priests kidnapped from parish rectory in Nigeria
A religious missionary order in Nigeria is appealing for the safe release of two of its members who were abducted... Read more
Abducted Haitian nuns released amid ongoing gang violence
The release of the six religious sisters, along with their two drivers, was confirmed to Vatican News by Archbishop Max... Read more
Catholic Church in Haiti holds day of prayer for release of 6 kidnapped nuns, others
A day of prayer, meditation, and Eucharistic adoration was held Jan. 24 to intercede for the release of the people... Read more
Priest says migrants in northern Mexico are being kidnapped on a constant basis
Mexican authorities reported Jan. 3 the rescue of 31 migrants who had been kidnapped the night of Dec. 30 on... Read more
Parish priest in Nigeria abducted while answering sick call
Father Kingsley Eze, parish priest of St. Michael’s Umuekebi Catholic Church in Nigeria’s Imo state, was kidnapped Nov. 30 and... Read more
‘I am prepared to die a martyr’: Freed Nigerian monk recounts kidnapping, murder of brother monk
Brother Peter Olarewaju recounts the horrific kidnapping and torture he and other monks suffered, including the murder of a brother... Read more
Colombian bishops call for release of kidnapped father of soccer star and others
The bishops called for the immediate release of Luis Manuel Díaz, the kidnapped father of Colombian soccer star Luis Díaz,... Read more
Nigerian bishop: Tens of thousands spent to rescue kidnapped priests, seminarians
Most of the money has been spent rescuing priests, seminarians, and other pastoral caregivers who were kidnapped by various militia... Read more
Monk killed after kidnapping from Nigerian monastery eulogized as prayerful, easygoing
Brother Godwin Eze was kidnapped Oct. 17 alongside two others from the Benedictine monastery in Eruku, Nigeria, located in the... Read more
Monk shot, body thrown in river following kidnapping at Nigerian monastery
A diocese in Nigeria announced that Brother Godwin Eze, a monk who was kidnapped with two others from a Benedictine... Read more
Religious congregation grateful after release of abducted nuns, seminarian in Nigeria
Three Catholic nuns, a seminarian, and their driver were abducted from Nigeria’s Abakaliki Diocese on Oct. 5 and released Oct.... Read more
Sisters issue appeal for ‘safe release’ of 3 nuns who were abducted from Nigerian diocese
The vicar general of the Missionary Daughters of Mater Ecclesiae in Nigeria said five people were abducted Oct. 5 in... Read more
Human rights group to Nigeria security agents after priest’s kidnapping: ‘Act or resign’
The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law has condemned the Sept. 16-17 kidnapping of more than 30... Read more
Church prays for release of kidnapped priest and seminarian in Nigeria
Father Paul Sanogo and seminarian Melkiori Dominick Mahinini were kidnapped early in the morning of Aug. 3 in Niger state. Read more
Catholic priest in Nigeria freed on Pentecost Sunday after three days in captivity
Father Matthias Opara, a Nigerian Catholic priest who was abducted on May 26 while returning from a funeral, has been... Read more
Families of Israeli captives in Gaza Strip appeal to Pope Francis
When Pope Francis once again launched the appeal for peace in the Holy Land, he probably had in his eyes... Read more
Priests abducted in Cameroon last month plead for release in new video
In the video circulated Oct. 19, one of the abductees provides updates about their welfare and pleads with their bishop... Read more
Pastor and more than 80 others kidnapped in attacks on two Nigerian churches
On Sept. 17, militants raided the Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Suleja in Niger state and abducted dozens of worshippers... Read more
Abducted American religious sister freed in Burkina Faso
An American religious sister ministering in Burkina Faso who was kidnapped in April is free and safe after nearly five... Read more
Kidnapped Nigerian religious sisters released
Four religious sisters who were kidnapped while on their way to Mass Aug. 21 have been released, according to their... Read more
