Pope Leo XIV on Sunday called for the released of students kidnapped by terrorists group last week in Nigeria.

The raid hit St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Niger State, on Friday.

However, 50 students have reportedly escaped and reunited with their families, but over 260 remain held as authorities deploy tactical squads and local hunters for rescue.

Before Sunday’s Angelus in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV urged the kidnappers to release the hostages immediately, including priests taken in Cameroon, and prayed that churches and schools stay safe havens.