Pope Francis appeals for release of Indian priest in Yemen

Vatican City, Apr 11: Pope Francis has called for the release of the Indian priest Fr Tom Uzhunnallil, who is feared to have been captured by ISIS militants in Yemen.

Pope Francis appealed to abductors in confict zones to free their hostages as he conducted prayers in the Vatican.

"I particular I wish to remember Salesian priest Fr Tom Uzhunnallil, who was abducted in Aden on March 4 this year," Pope Francis said at St Peter's Square on Sunday.

This comes after it was reported that Uzhunnallil was crucified by alleged ISIS militants on Good Friday. However, neither did Yemeni officials nor did Indian officials confirm this news.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj earlier this month informed The Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) that Father Tom Uzhunnallil was safe and assured that all efforts were being made to secure his release.

Militants attacked the Missionaries of Charity's home for the aged in Aden on March 4 where an Indian nurse was killed.

16 people were killed in the attack when terrorists stormed the old age home and sprayed bullets at the residents.

The militants, believed to be affiliated to ISIS abducted Uzhunnallil on that day and whereabouts of him are unknown since then.

OneIndia News