kidnapping

The Latest

Fr. Harrison Egwuenu, who was kidnapped Monday, March 15, 2021, in Nigeria’s Warri diocese.

Catholic diocese in Nigeria urges prayers for ‘speedy release’ of kidnapped priest

Mar 19, 2021

A Catholic diocese in Nigeria has appealed for prayers for the “speedy release” of a priest abducted on Monday. Read more

Sister Gloria Cecilia Narváez

Bishops pray for Colombian nun kidnapped four years ago

Feb 8, 2021

By CNA Staff

The president of the Department of Missions at the Colombian Bishops’ Conference marked the fourth anniversary of the kidnapping of... Read more

Fr. John Gbakaan, a priest of the diocese of Minna, Nigeria. Public domain.

Catholic priest in Nigeria found dead after abduction

Jan 18, 2021

The body of a Catholic priest was discovered in Nigeria on Saturday, a day after he was kidnapped by armed... Read more

Nigerian flag

Nigerian archbishop denounces ‘nefarious’ kidnappings 

Jan 11, 2021

By CNA Staff

The kidnappings of Catholic priests and others in Nigeria must end, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja said this week. Read more

Bishop Moses Chikwe, auxiliary bishop of Nigeria's Archdiocese of Owerri. Public Domain.

Catholic bishop released five days after kidnapping in Nigeria

Jan 1, 2021

A Catholic bishop in Nigeria, who was kidnapped on Sunday, has been released unharmed, according to the Archdiocese of Owerri.  Read more

A young girl lights a candle at a Marian Grotto in Pakistan.

Christian aid group applauds investigation into forced conversions, marriages in Pakistan

Dec 3, 2020

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has ordered an investigation into the forced conversion of women and girls from the country’s... Read more

The funeral Mass of Michael Nnadi at Good Shepherd Seminary in Kaduna, Nigeria, Feb. 11, 2020. Photo courtesy of the Diocese of Maiduguri.

Seminarian's killing a 'defining moment' for Christians in Nigeria

Feb 11, 2020

At the funeral Mass for Michael Nnadi, the 18-year-old seminarian abducted and killed by gunmen last month, Bishop Matthew Hassan... Read more

Good Shepherd Seminary in Kaduna, Nigeria, whence four seminarians were abducted Jan. 8, 2020.

Nigerian archbishop: Seminarian's killing shows government's security failure

Feb 4, 2020

Following the death of an 18-year-old seminarian in Nigeria at the hands of his kidnappers, the Archbishop of Lagos urged... Read more

Good Shepherd Seminary in Kaduna, Nigeria, whence four seminarians were abducted Jan. 8, 2020.

Three of four abducted Nigerian seminarians have been released

Jan 31, 2020

Three of the seminarians kidnapped earlier this month in northwestern Nigeria have been released safely by their captors, an official... Read more

Good Shepherd Seminary in Kaduna, Nigeria, whence four seminarians were abducted Jan. 8, 2020.

Four seminarians abducted in Nigeria

Jan 13, 2020

Four seminarians, between the ages of 18 and 23, were abducted Wednesday night from their seminary in Kaduna, in northwestern... Read more

Nigerian priest liberated after four days in captivity

Apr 23, 2018

Fr. Edwin Omoregbe, who had been kidnapped last week in Nigeria's Edo state, was released on Sunday.  Read more

African priest praying rosary.

Bishop calls for prayers after kidnapping of DRC priest

Apr 5, 2018

The bishop of Goma in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is urging the faithful to pray for a priest... Read more

Reported message from kidnapped nun calls on Pope for help

Jan 30, 2018

A reported video message from a Colombian nun kidnapped almost a year ago in Mali appeals to Pope Francis for... Read more

Refugees in Nigeria's Maiduguri diocese, September 2014.

Nigerian bishops deplore dehumanizing trends of violence

Jan 18, 2018

Nigeria's bishops challenged government authorities Tuesday to resolve the country’s violent disputes, especially after recent attacks by Fulani herdsmen have... Read more

Italian Catholic priest kidnapped in Nigeria

Oct 16, 2017

An Italian Catholic priest, who is a member of the Neocatechumenal Way, was kidnapped on Thursday by armed men in... Read more

Father Tom Uzhunnalil meets with Pope Francis in Vatican City on Sept. 13, 2017.

Fr. Tom to Pope Francis: I offered my suffering for you and the Church

Sep 13, 2017

By Elise Harris

Just one day after being released from 18 months of captivity, Indian priest Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil shared an emotional meeting... Read more

Bishops plea for two priests abducted in DRC

Jul 18, 2017

Gunmen have abducted two Catholic priests in the Democratic Republic of Congo, prompting the country’s bishops to plead that the... Read more

Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil.

Indian politician suggests ransom fund for kidnapped priest

May 31, 2017

A member of India’s Legislative Assembly is encouraging the Church to raise money for the release of kidnapped priest Father... Read more

Four people charged in connection with kidnapped nun in Mali

Apr 7, 2017

Four people have been arrested in Mali in connection with the February kidnapping of a nun who remains missing.  Read more

Mali bishops plead for kidnapped nun's release

Apr 2, 2017

The Catholic bishops of Mali are asking the general public to help secure the release of a nun who was... Read more