Pope Leo demands release of 315 kidnapped students from Nigeria

Pope Leo has called for the immediate release of more than three hundred students and staff of a Catholic school in Nigeria who were kidnapped by gunmen on Friday.

The attack on St. Mary's School in the northwest of the country was described by the Christian Association of Nigeria as one of the worst mass kidnappings in the country's history. Initially, 227 people were said to have been abducted, but the number was later revised to 315.

At the Vatican, the Pope expressed deep concern at the growing number of attacks on believers, priests and schools and appealed to the relevant authorities to act urgently.

He also called for common prayers so that religious institutions can once again become a symbol of security and hope. As a result of the incident, the Nigerian government has ordered the closure of dozens more schools.

(reuters, swag)