Maritime Accident News

Pope holds meeting with relatives of seamen hostages

Pope Benedict XVI met last month with the families of mariners being held hostage by pirates.

He encouraged them to keep hope alive and asked for captors to treat their captives with respect.

"I hope (they) are treated with respect and humanity, and I pray for their families so they are strong in their faith and don't lose hope of soon being reunited with their loved ones," the Pope said, adding that he is praying for them.

Rome has been a long time advocate for seafarers around the world through the Apostleship of the Sea, an agency that sends out ministry to vessels and ports.

There are currently 439 hostages and 23 ships held by pirates, says the International Maritime Bureau.

Source: Associated Press

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