Haitian priest freed following kidnapping in wartorn nation

Vatican News

Father Emmanuel Saintéliat, parish priest of Saint John the Baptist Church, was kidnapped on 30 June by gang members who attacked  the municipality of Gressier, near Haiti's capital Port-au-Prince. The Archdiocese of Port-au-Prince confirmed his release and, according to media sources, no ransom was paid. At least 20 people were killed in the 30 June attack by armed gangs of the group Vivre Ensemble led by former police officer Jimmy Cherizier.

The group's leader is believed to be behind the chaos in the country. In March he called for the resignation of then premier Ariel Henry. In Gressier armed groups burnt homes and caused panic in the community, challenging the presence of the Kenyan-led peacekeeping contingent that arrived just days ago. The police have now regained control of the area.

Kenya peacekeeping mission

The Archdiocese of Port-au-Prince issued a communiqué on 1 July expressing indignation and sadness for the situation saying it represents a type of "imprisonment in the spiral of evil" gripping Haitian society. The statement denounces what happened in Sunday's attack, decrying "unspeakable acts of deadly violence." The statement also praised the Fr. Saintéliat, "who never abandoned the community he serves...and who is always ready to assist others."

Appeal for Fr. Saintéliat's release

The Archdioecese of Port-au-Prince also said the incident shows that some areas of the metropolitan region of Port-au-Prince are still beyond the control of public security and it reaffirms "closeness to all the victims and their families." The communiqué recalls the critical need for state authorities to urgently "take action to put an end to this reality of violence and re-establish the right to life in the country."