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Missionary Freed After Being Held Hostage in Mali for Nearly 5 Years

by | Mon, Oct 18 2021

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A Franciscan nun from Colombia has been freed from four and a half years in captivity in the African nation of Mali.

Sister Gloria Cecilia Narvaez Argoti had been taken hostage by extremists affiliated with al-Qaeda.

The missionary was released following the combined efforts of intelligence services.

Sister Gloria thanked God for keeping her healthy and Mali authorities for her release.

She was flown to the Vatican for a meeting with Pope Francis.

Kidnappers often target Christians in Mali, usually for ransom, or to exert political pressure on the government.

In June, a Catholic priest was freed within days of his kidnap.

A Swiss missionary was found dead in April after being held hostage for more than 5 years.

Open Doors which monitors global persecution says many Christians have fled Mali in recent years.