Pope appeals for release of clergy kidnapped in Syria

July 27, 2015

Following his Angelus address on July 26, Pope Francis appealed for the release of Father Paolo Dall’Oglio, an Italian Jesuit who was kidnapped by the Islamic State in July 2013.

"I make a heartfelt and urgent appeal for the freedom of this esteemed religious man," he said. "Also, I cannot forget the Orthodox bishops kidnapped in Syria and all the other people who, in areas of conflict, have been seized. I hope for a renewed commitment by the competent local and international authorities, so that these our brothers will soon be restored to freedom."

After leading the crowds in St. Peter's Square in a prayer for them, the Pope recalled that "today the Church remembers St. Joachim and St. Ann, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and thus, the grandparents of Jesus. On this occasion I would like to greet all the grandmothers and grandfathers, thanking them for their presence in the families and for the new generations."

 

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Further information:

• Le parole del Papa alla recita dell’Angelus (Holy See Press Office)
• Zenit translation
• Angelus Domini 2015.07.26 (Vatican YouTube)