By Catholic News Service • Posted October 12, 2015

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 Oct. 10 and celebrated Mass Oct. 11 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 July 26.