FLORENCE, ITALY – Father Maurizio Pallù, an Italian missionary priest kidnapped in Nigeria last week, has been freed, Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano told Wednesday October 18, 2017.
The Florentine priest from the Rome diocese Pallù, 63 today, was kidnapped at Benin City in southern Nigeria last week. He phoned his mother Sunday night to tell her he was well and would be released in a few days.
Laura Pallu’, 92, made the phone call public during a prayer vigil for her son’s release in the parish of Santa Lucia La Sala in northern Florence.
Rome prosecutors are investigating a suspected terror crime, judicial sources said. While Islamist terrorists Boko Haram were initially suspected, they have since been all but ruled out.
Florence Mayor Diego Nardella called Pallù’s release splendid news while former Florence mayor, ex-premier and Democratic Party (PD) leader Matteo Renzi echoed that sentiment, phoning Florence Archbishop Giuseppe Betori to send his best wishes.
Florence Archbishop Betori said he was following the case with apprehension and urged people to pray for Father Pallù. Pope Francis also said he was praying for Pallù.
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