Pope Leo XIV recalled during the recitation of the Angelus the delicate situation in Nigeria, following terrorist attacks against various communities in the African country, which have left several people dead.
POPE LEO XIV
With sorrow and deep concern, I have learned of the recent attacks against various communities in Nigeria, which have caused serious loss of human life. I express my closeness in prayer to all the victims of violence and terrorism.
A group of armed men attacked a town in Kaduna State, leaving several people injured, kidnapped, or dead. Among those kidnapped was Father Nathaniel Asuwaye, a parish priest of the Church of the Holy Trinity in the town of Karku.
The diocese that the priest belongs to later confirmed his abduction.
In addition, the Pope called for prayers for all the territories across Europe struck by severe storms with heavy rain and strong winds.
POPE LEO XIV
I assure my prayers for the populations of Portugal, Morocco, and Spain — in particular Grazalema, in Andalusia — as well as southern Italy — especially Niscemi, in Sicily — affected by floods and landslides.
This was also the World Day of Prayer against Human Trafficking. Pope Leo thanked all the religious women who work within the Church to eliminate every form of slavery in the world, emphasizing that peace always begins with dignity.
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