Kidnapped priest

The Latest

Father Felix Zakari Fidson, who was abducted in Nigeria’s Zaria diocese on March 24, 2022.

Catholic priest in Nigeria released 40 days after abduction

May 5, 2022

By CNA Staff

Father Felix Zakari Fidson was seized on March 24. Read more

Father Leo Raphael Ozigi, who was kidnapped in Nigeria’s Minna diocese on March 27, 2022.

Catholic priest abducted after Sunday Mass in Nigeria

Mar 29, 2022

By Hannah Brockhaus

‘May the Holy Spirit secure the release of our brother ... from the hands of the bandits,’ said Father Emeka... Read more

Fr. Benson Bulus Luka was kidnapped from his parish residence in Nigeria’s Kafanchan diocese on Sept. 13, 2021.

Catholic diocese rejoices as priest is freed barely 24 hours after kidnapping

Sep 16, 2021

By CNA Staff

“Barely 24 hours after his kidnap, our beloved brother priest was released by his abductors.” Read more

Father Benson Bulus Luka was kidnapped from his parish residence in Nigeria’s Kafanchan Diocese on Sept. 13, 2021.Kafanchan Diocese

Urgent prayers needed for kidnapped Nigerian priest

Sep 14, 2021

By Jude Atemanke

Prayers are being sought for the quick and safe release of a Catholic priest, Father Benson Bulus Luka, kidnapped from... Read more

Freed: Msgr. Julius Agbortoko Abbor, vicar general of Cameroon’s Mamfe diocese.

Catholic priest in Cameroon freed after three days in captivity

Sep 2, 2021

By CNA Staff

Msgr. Julius Agbortoko Abbor was released without payment of a ransom. Read more

CNA

Catholic priest in Cameroon reportedly kidnapped by separatists

Aug 31, 2021

By CNA Staff

Msgr. Julius Agbortoko was seized on Aug. 29. Read more

Fr. Elijah Juma Wada was abducted on June 30, 2021, in Nigeria’s Maiduguri diocese.

Suspected members of Boko Haram kidnap Catholic priest in Nigeria

Jul 7, 2021

By CNA Staff

Fr. Elijah Juma Wada was abducted on June 30. Read more

The flag of Mali.

Kidnappers free Catholic priest and four others in Mali

Jun 24, 2021

By CNA Staff

Gunmen released Fr. Léon Douyon 72 hours after seizing him. Read more

The flag of Mali.

Catholic priest among five people kidnapped in Mali

Jun 23, 2021

By CNA Staff

Fr. Léon Douyon was abducted by gunmen on June 21. Read more

Fr. Joseph Keke, 75,  was kidnapped on May 21, 2021, in Katsina State, Nigeria.

‘Our only weapon is prayer’: Nigerian bishop seeks release of kidnapped priest

May 27, 2021

By Courtney Mares

Fr. Joseph Keke, 75, was kidnapped by gunmen on May 21. Read more

Fr. Joe Keke, left, remains missing. Fr. Alphonsus Bello, right, was killed at age 33.

Catholic priest killed, another kidnapped in attack on Nigerian parish

May 21, 2021

By Courtney Mares

Fr. Alphonsus Bello was found dead on May 21. Read more

Nigerian flag

Catholic priest among 11 people kidnapped in Nigeria’s Kaduna archdiocese

May 19, 2021

By ACI Africa

Gunmen in northern Nigeria killed eight people and kidnapped 11 others. Read more

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

Catholic priest in Nigeria recovering after week-long kidnapping ordeal

Mar 26, 2021

A Catholic priest in Nigeria is recovering after a week-long kidnapping ordeal. Read more

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

Fr. Rodrigues Sanon. Courtesy photo.

Another priest missing in Burkina Faso

Jan 20, 2021

A Catholic bishop in Burkina Faso is asking for prayers after the disappearance of another priest, whose vehicle was found... Read more

Fr. Valentine Oluchukwu Ezeagu. Photo courtesy of the Congregation of the Sons of Mary Mother of Mercy.

As abducted Catholic priest is freed, congregation prays for kidnappers’ conversion

Dec 17, 2020

By Courtney Mares

After abducted Nigerian priest Fr. Valentine Ezeugu was released Wednesday, his religious congregation said it was praying for the conversion... Read more

Fr. Valentine Oluchukwu Ezeagu. Photo courtesy of the Congregation of the Sons of Mary Mother of Mercy.

Catholic priest kidnapped in Nigeria while traveling to his father’s funeral

Dec 16, 2020

By Courtney Mares

A priest of the Congregation of Sons of Mary Mother of Mercy was kidnapped in Nigeria Tuesday while traveling to... Read more

Fr. Matthew Dajo, who was kidnapped Nov. 22 in Nigeria's Abuja archdiocese. Public Domain.

Catholic priest in Nigeria released after being held captive for 10 days

Dec 3, 2020

By Courtney Mares

A priest who was kidnapped in Nigeria has been released after being held captive for 10 days.   Read more

Fr. Matthew Dajo, who was kidnapped Nov. 22 in Nigeria's Abuja archdiocese. Public Domain

Catholic archbishop: Pray for priest kidnapped in Nigeria

Nov 27, 2020

By Courtney Mares

A Nigerian archbishop has asked for prayers for the safe release of a priest kidnapped in Abuja earlier this week.  Read more

Fr. Pierluigi Maccalli, center, meets Pope Francis at the Vatican Nov. 9, 2020.

Pope Francis kisses hand of missionary priest, freed after two-year captivity in Africa

Nov 9, 2020

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis met Monday with an Italian missionary priest who was freed last month in Mali, after having been kidnapped... Read more