The World Union of Catholic Women’s Organisations (WUCWO) expresses its deep concern and sorrow over the serious events that have recently taken place in Nigeria and Cameroon, where Catholic communities have suffered new episodes of violence and kidnapping.
Mass kidnapping at a Catholic school in Nigeria
Last Friday, a total of 315 people —including 303 children aged 10 to 18— were kidnapped from a Catholic school in Nigeria. Our General President, Mónica Santamarina, has sent a message of closeness and prayer to all WUCWO women in Nigeria, as well as to the affected families:
“Dear friends of WUCWO, let us unite in prayer for the 315 victims of the kidnapping of students and staff —including 303 children aged 10 to 18— that took place on Friday in a Catholic school in Nigeria. May they return safe and sound to their homes, may Mary, Queen of Peace, console their families, and may Christ our Lord convert the hearts of those responsible and help restore peace and freedom of worship to that region of the world. Our closeness, love and support to all WUCWO women in Nigeria”.
Pope Leo issues an urgent appeal
During the Angelus of 23 November, the Holy Father expressed deep sadness regarding the kidnappings in both Nigeria and Cameroon, making a strong plea for the immediate release of the hostages:
“With immense sadness I received the news of the kidnapping of priests, faithful and students in Nigeria and Cameroon. I feel profound sorrow, especially for the many young people who have been abducted and for their anguished families. I make a fervent appeal for the immediate release of the hostages and urge the competent authorities to take the necessary measures to obtain it. Let us pray for these brothers and sisters of ours, and for churches and schools to always and everywhere remain safe places of hope”.
Our prayer and commitment
WUCWO joins in the suffering of the families and communities affected and calls on all its member organisations to pray so that these children and adults may return soon and unharmed. It also reaffirms its commitment to defending human dignity, religious freedom, and peace in all regions of the world where women and Christian communities suffer violence.
WUCWO Communication Office
This text has been translated with the help of Artificial Intelligence
