Papal appeal for pirates' hostages
July 11, 2011
Pope Benedict XVI made a plea for the release of hostages who have been captured by pirates at his Sunday audience on July 10.
The Pope marked the annual “Day of the Sea” by meeting with the familioes of some hostages at his summer residence at Castel Gandolfo. During his midday audience he offered a prayer “for their families, that they may remain strong in the faith and not lose hope.” He also prayed for the hostages themselves, that they may be treated with respect and humanity and “soon be reunited with their loved ones.” Piracy has become an increasingly severe problem, particularly in the seas off the shore of Somalia. Pirates took more than 1,000 hostages last year, and more than 400 people are still held captive.
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Further information:
- Pope Speaks of Maritime World and of Respect for Nature (VIS)
- Pope prays for victims of piracy (Vatican Radio)
- Pope meeting with relatives of pirate hostages (AP)
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