Catholic Missionaries Held in Cameroon Released

Three Catholic missionaries kidnapped in northern Cameroon were released by their captors Sunday.

Armed groups took the two Italian priests and a Canadian nun captive in early April.

Vatican Radio speculated the radical Islamist Boko Haram might be responsible. The terror group has warned Cameroon to stay out of its fight with the Nigerian military.

Meanwhile, Vatican officials rejoiced at the news of the missionaries' release.

"We thank the Lord that this case reached a positive conclusion," Vatican spokesman Rev. Federico Lombardi said. "At the same time, we continue to pray and commit ourselves so that every form of violence, hate, and conflict in various regions of Africa and in other parts of the world can be overcome."

Authorities did not say if a ransom was paid for the missionaries.