Pope Francis appeals for release of kidnapped religious
sisters in Nigeria
Following the traditional prayer of Marian devotion on
Gaudete Sunday, Pope Francis appealed for the release of six religious sisters,
who were kidnapped one month ago from their convent in Iguoriakhi, Nigeria.
Dear brothers and sisters,
I heartily join myself to the appeal fo the Bishops of
Nigeria for the liberation of the Sisters of the Eucharistic Heart of Christ,
kidnapped roughly a month ago from their convent in Iguoriakhi. I pray with
insistence for them and for all the other persons who find themselves in this
painful condition: may they all, on the occasion of Christmas, finally return
to their homes.
I greet all of you, families, parish groups and
associations, who have come from Rome, Italy and many parts of the world. In
particular I greet the group of “Lobitos” from Portugal and the group of
Bolivian pilgrims. I greet the faithful of Salamanca and of Pernumia (Padua).
And now I greet with affection the children who came for the
blessing of the "Bambinelli", organized by the Centro Oratori
Romani (Roman Oratories Center). Dear children, I thank you for your
joyful presence and I wish you a happy Christmas! When you pray at home with
your family, in front of the nativity scene, let yourselves be drawn to the
tenderness of the Child Jesus, who was born among us poor and fragile, to give
us His love. This is the real Christmas. If we take away Jesus, what remains of
Christmas? A party with nothing to celebrate.
I wish everyone a good Sunday, therefore, and a good journey
towards the Nativity of Jesus. Please do not forget to pray for me. Enjoy your
lunch, and we’ll see you soon.
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