Kidnappers release Syrian priest
July 13, 2015
The Franciscan priest who was abducted in Syria on July 4 has been released unharmed, the AsiaNews service reports.
Father Dhiya Azziz had been seized by armed men from an Islamic militant group— although not from the group originally suspected of the kidnapping. The Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land noted that “there are a plethora of groups that operate with varied interests.”
The Syrian priest was apparently been kidnapped for ransom, but the Franciscan Custody said that there had been no contact with his captors prior to his release.
While expressing joy at the priest's release, the Franciscan Custody reminded the public that a number of Christian clerics-- including two Orthodox bishops and three Catholic priests-- remain hostages in Syria.
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
- Syria Franciscan priest Dhiya Azziz released (AsiaNews)
- Franciscan priest abducted in Syria (CWN, 7/07)
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
