Pope Francis appeals for release of Syria hostages

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis on Sunday appealed to “the humanity” of kidnappers in Syria and urged them to free their hostages, expressing deep concern for the kidnap victims of the two-year-old conflict.

“I appeal to the humanity of the kidnappers and for them to release their victims,” the pope told a large crowd as he delivered the Angelus prayer on St. Peter’s Square.

In late April, two Orthodox bishops were kidnapped in northern Syria. No group has claimed responsibility for their abduction.