Caribbean National Weekly

Pope Francis calls for release of hostages kidnapped in Haiti

By Ben McLeod··1 min read
Pope Francis calls for release of hostages kidnapped in Haiti

Pope Francis, leader of the Catholic Church, urges the release of eight hostages, including six nuns, following a kidnapping incident in Port-au-Prince, Haiti on Friday.

Brazen abduction in Port-au-Prince

According to reports, the gunmen intercepted a minibus in downtown Port-au-Prince, taking all the passengers and the driver hostage.

“I have learned with sorrow of the kidnapping, in Haiti, of a group of people, including six religious sisters”, Pope Francis said after his weekly Angelus prayer.

“In my heartfelt plea for their release, I pray for social concord in the country, and I invite everyone to bring an end to the violence, which is causing a great deal of suffering to that dear population,” he further said.

Haitian authorities reported that no information or a ransom demand has been made public regarding the release of the eight people.

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