«I wish to make an appeal in favor of those people who are being held hostage,» the Pope said after praying the midday Angelus with pilgrims gathered in St. Peter´s Square.
«My thoughts go especially to all those who were kidnapped because of their faith, in particular Father Giuseppe Pierantoni, Dehonian priest, kidnapped over two months ago in the Philippines,» the Holy Father said.
The Pontiff expressed the hope that «holy Christmas, mystery of goodness and peace,» will «move the hearts of the kidnappers, and induce them to release these people.»
John Paul II assured all hostages and their families of his prayers.
