The NJCP, a long-time project partner of ACN, also provided recommendations to the Pakistani authorities, aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future, improving law enforcement protocols, and fostering interfaith dialogue.

Pope Francis sent the participants a message of support, in which he described the migrants’ route through the Darién Jungle as “a real Way of the Cross.”

In 2023, the charity provided almost 1.75 million Mass stipends to 40,767 priests. Statistically, this means that one in every 10 priests in the world received support from ACN, and that every 18 seconds, a Mass was celebrated somewhere around the world for the intentions of ACN donors.

“Despite all this, the number of faithful in the archdiocese has increased. And our schools and hospitals are among the most renowned in the country.” Over the past 30 years, 16 new parishes have been established, and the archdiocese boasts 25 female and 13 male religious congregations, and 106 seminarians.

In a statement sent to Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), Father Kazah asked for prayers for Father Ukeh’s “urgent and safe release” and condemned the “incessant kidnappings for ransom of innocent and defenseless citizens.”

“There is no peace of mind. We cannot sleep with our eyes closed. We cannot even travel short distances without fear. But we still thank God.”