Video of Kidnapped Priest Brings Hope for His Release

The Catholic priest kidnapped by Islamic militants in a deadly attack on a nursing home in Yemen begs the pope to arrange his release in a video now made public.

Rev. Tom Uzhunnailil was kidnapped last March during an attack on a Catholic nursing home in the city of Aden, Yemen. His attackers shot and killed several local workers and then executed four nuns before they destroyed Christian symbols in the residence's chapel.

For church leaders, the video brings relief that the priest is still alive, but it also raises concerns about his health and questions on how to save him from his captors. 

In the video, Uzhunnalil speaks in a robotic manner in the video that was post on YouTube and Facebook on Christmas Eve. 

Members of Uzhunnalil's Salesian order confirmed that it was him. 

In the video he pleads with various nations, and his own government in India as well as Pope Francis for immediate help. 

"Dear Pope Francis, dear Holy Father, as a father, please take care of my life," he said. "I am very much depressed. My health is deteriorating. I am in need of hospitalization soon. Please come to my help quickly."

He also states in the video that his captors have attempted multiple times to negotiate with the Indian government and Catholic officials, but said that nothing has happened to help him. 

"I am very sad that nothing has been done seriously in my regard," he said. 

"If I were a European priest, I would have been taken more seriously by authorities and people and would have got me released," Uzhunnalil continued. "I am from India and perhaps am not considered of as much value. I am sad about this."

Back in April rumors spread that he had been crucified on Good Friday. 

Indian officials told church leaders in Kerala that they were "doing everything possible" to get him out.