Pope Leo urges release of Haiti hostages, aid for Nepal after deadly floods

“From Haiti come terrible reports of the grave massacre perpetrated in Kenscoff, in which numerous people have lost their lives while others have been kidnapped. I express my prayerful closeness to the victims and their families and ask that all the hostages be released without delay. I make a heartfelt appeal to all those responsible to make a concrete commitment to ensuring the safety of the population and putting an end to every form of violence.”

Pope Leo XIV made the appeal following the recitation of the Angelus prayer on Sunday at noon in Castel Gandolfo, where he stayed overnight after taking part Saturday evening in the Marian procession of Our Lady of the Lake on Lake Albano.

Following the appeal for Haiti, Pope Leo assured those affected by the devastating flooding in Nepal and Tibet of his prayers. He invited the faithful to pray for those who have died, the injured and missing, their families, and the rescuers involved in the ongoing emergency response.

“May everyone’s concern and commitment," he prayed, "help to alleviate suffering and bring the necessary assistance to the affected populations.”

The Vatican announced Saturday that Pope Leo, through the Dicastery for the Service of Charity, had sent financial assistance to Caritas Nepal to help meet the most urgent needs of people affected by the disaster.