Pope Leo XIV Urges Release of 315 Students & Teachers Kidnapped in Nigerian School Raids

Pope Leo XIV Calls for Release of Kidnapped Nigerian Students and Teachers

From the heart of Vatican City, Pope Leo XIV delivered a fervent appeal on November 23, 2025, urging the immediate and unconditional release of more than 300 students and teachers who were abducted in a mass kidnapping incident in Nigeria.

Details of the Abduction

The distressing incident was brought to light by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), which confirmed that armed gunmen had stormed two separate schools, leading to the seizure of over 300 individuals. This mass abduction has sent shockwaves, reiterating the severe security challenges impacting educational institutions and communities across Nigeria.

The pontiff's call, made during a Mass for the Jubilee of Choirs, underscores the international community's profound concern for the safety and well-being of the captives and highlights the urgent need for resolution.

Global Concern for Nigerian Security

This event marks another tragic chapter in a series of school abductions that have plagued Nigeria, disrupting learning, traumatizing families, and creating an atmosphere of fear. Pope Leo XIV's intervention serves as a powerful reminder of the humanitarian impact of such acts and the collective responsibility to safeguard vulnerable populations, especially children and educators.