Pope appeals for release of hostages
Pope Benedict XVI called today for the release of Korean hostages held in Afghanistan.
“It’s a grave violation of human dignity,” the pope said, speaking from Castel Gandolfo, a papal retreat in the hills south of Rome.
“I issue my appeal so that the perpetrators of such criminal acts desist from the evil they have carried out and give back their victims unharmed,” the pope said during his traditional Sunday prayer.
The 22 Koreans held hostage in Afghanistan were seized on July 19. Originally there were 23 captives, but one has been shot dead.
