Kidnapped Colombian bishop released unharmed by rebel captors

Published: 2004-07-28

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- A bishop who was kidnapped by armed rebels in Colombia was freed unharmed by his captors the same day Pope John Paul II appealed for his release. Bishop Misael Vacca Ramirez of Yopal was set free July 27 after he was taken prisoner three days earlier by members of the leftist rebel group, the National Liberation Army, known by its Spanish initials of ELN. "I was treated well and there was never any lack of respect," said the bishop, according to a July 28 report by the Rome-based MISNA news service. According to Fides, the Vatican's missionary news service, Bishop Vacca walked for three hours after he was released to reach Bishop Javier Pizarro of the Diocese of Trinidad. Bishop Vacca was then flown by helicopter to his residence in Yopal and, after a medical examination, was found to be tired but in good health, Fides reported July 28.

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