HOMS, Syria (CNS) — A Syrian priest kidnapped in May has been released, Agence France-Presse reported.
Syrian Father Jacques Mourad was kidnapped by three masked men at the Syriac Catholic Mar Elian monastery in Qaryatain.
AFP, citing a source close to the priest, reported he was released on 10 October and celebrated the Divine Liturgy on 11 October in Zaydal, just outside of Homs.
Father Mourad, who helped both Christians and Muslims, was preparing aid for an influx of refugees from Palmyra when he was abducted, and during his captivity his whereabouts remained unknown. Pope Francis mentioned him specifically in public prayer on 26 July.