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Amid a surge in kidnappings in Haiti, the poorest state in the Americas facing a worsening security crisis, Pope Francis expressed deep concern over the kidnapping of eight people, including six nuns, in Port-au-Prince. The pontiff, concluding his weekly Angelus prayer at the Vatican, voiced his distress and fervently appealed for the release of those abducted. Acknowledging the broader context of escalating violence in Haiti, Pope Francis extended his prayers for social harmony in the country and called for an end to the violence causing immense suffering.
The Haitian Religious Conference, representing the country’s religious orders, reported that the kidnapping occurred on Friday when the victims were traveling on a bus in the capital. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges and dangers faced by individuals in Haiti, further exacerbated by the country’s dire economic situation. Kidnappings have become a pervasive issue, underscoring the urgent need for effective measures to address the security crisis and protect the population.
In a broader context, Pope Francis also turned his attention to Ecuador during his address, acknowledging the challenges faced by the country in combating gang violence. The pontiff expressed solidarity with the bishops and migrants of Ecuador, assuring them of his prayers for peace in their nation. The Pope’s remarks reflect a global concern for the well-being of communities facing various forms of violence and insecurity, urging collective efforts to foster peace and stability in troubled regions.
