Pope Francis has issued a heartfelt plea for the release of hostages, including six nuns, who were abducted in Haiti on Friday when armed gunmen hijacked a bus in the capital, Port-au-Prince. The Pope, speaking after his weekly Angelus prayer on Sunday, expressed deep sorrow over the kidnapping and called for social harmony in Haiti. The incident further underscores the escalating violence in the country, where gangs vie for power and tensions rise ahead of a crucial political accord’s expiry on February 7.
The harrowing incident unfolded when armed assailants seized control of a bus in Haiti’s capital, taking at least six nuns and other passengers hostage. The Vatican News reported the incident on Saturday, quoting the Haitian Conference of Religious group. The perpetrators drove the bus to an unknown destination, intensifying concerns for the safety and well-being of the hostages.
During his Angelus prayer, Pope Francis addressed the distressing situation, expressing his sorrow over the kidnapping. He stated, “I have learned with sorrow of the kidnapping, in Haiti, of a group of people, including six religious sisters.” The Pope went on to make a heartfelt plea for the release of the hostages. His prayers extended beyond their safety, encompassing a broader call for social concord in Haiti. He urged everyone to unite in ending the violence that has inflicted considerable suffering on the Haitian population.
The kidnapping of the nuns and other hostages is symptomatic of the growing violence in Haiti, marked by power struggles among rival gangs. The situation has been exacerbated by the looming deadline of February 7, when a political accord consolidating the power of interim Prime Minister Ariel Henry is set to expire. Gangs, seeking to exert pressure, have intensified their activities, creating an environment of fear and instability.
As the violence continues to escalate, a crucial court decision is anticipated on January 26. The decision revolves around a proposed Kenyan-led multinational force aimed at addressing gang violence in Haiti. The country, already grappling with significant economic challenges, is one of the poorest in the Western Hemisphere. The international community watches closely as efforts are made to curb violence and ensure the safety of the population.
Pope Francis’ plea for the release of the kidnapped nuns and hostages in Haiti reflects a deep concern for the escalating violence in the country. The incident highlights the challenges faced by the Haitian population, caught in the crossfire of political and gang-related strife. As the international community awaits the court decision on potential intervention, urgent measures are needed to restore stability, protect innocent lives, and foster social harmony in Haiti.
