2 Kidnapped Franciscans Are Freed

ROME, JULY 23, 2006 (Zenit.org).- The two Franciscans friars that were kidnapped Thursday in Haiti are free and in good health.

The Franciscan province of Central America reported to the general curia of the Friars Minor in Rome that the friars were released Friday night.

The abducted friars were Salvadorian Brother César Humberto Flores, 50, responsible for the postulants in the monastery of Port-au-Prince, and a young Haitian postulant.

In a communiqué issued by that institution, the minister general of the order, Brother José Rodriguez Carballo, wished to thank all those who helped in this case, especially for the prayers and solidarity which many offered.

He added that "the Franciscans will keep working in Haiti among the poorest and needy. The Haitian people can remain assured that this sad episode will make us feel closer to those who suffer because of violence. In Haiti, as in all countries where we live, the Franciscans want to be instruments of peace and reconciliation."