Priest Kidnapped in Philippines, Pope Asks His Release

Italian missionary priest Giancarlo Bossi was kidnapped yesterday (10 Jun 2007) in the coastal village of Bulawan. During the midday Angelus prayer, Benedict XVI pleaded for his liberation as well as of all people who have been kidnapped.CZECH

Zamboanga (RP): Islamic kidnappers seized yesterday (10 Jun 2007) Italian Father Giancarlo Bossi, 57, from the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions. A group of at least 10 men captured him after celebrating Mass in the parish church of Payao. There has been no demand for ransom so far.

According to the Philippines army officer, Colonel Godofredo Paderanga, the leader of the kidnappers was identified as a Moro Islamic Liberation Front guerrilla leader. The army has been at war with that separatist guerrilla group for years despite calls from both Christian and Muslim religious for an end to conflict in the region. Father Bossi is the third Italian priest to be kidnapped in the area in the last 10 years.

Pope Benedict XVI pleaded yesterday after the Angelus prayer in the St Peter's Square for the liberation of all people who have been kidnapped. Being informed of the kidnap, he said: 'Unfortunately, I receive frequent requests for intervention on behalf of persons – some of whom are even priests – who have been seized for different reasons and in different parts of the world,' the Holy Father said and added: 'I carry all in my heart and they are present in my prayer.' He then spoke about the situation in Colombia, where the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) hold, among others, three Americans and, since 23 Feb 2002, a former Colombian presidential candidate, Ingrid Betancourt.