The Society of Priest of St. Jacques announced this Friday, April 30th, that the remaining seven of the 10 Catholic leaders kidnapped in Haiti on April 11 have been released and are in good health.

One of the several criminal groups operating in the country released three of the kidnapped, but kept four Haitian priests and a nun as well as one French priest and one nun on April 11, when they were in the town of Croix-des-Bouquets, on their way to the installation of a new parish priest.

 The criminal gang behind the abduction, calling itself “400 Mazowo,” had demanded a 1 Million dollars ransom. It was not clear if it had been paid in part or in full.

The abduction of the priests and religious sparked massive outrage in Haiti, which is battling a spike in kidnappings for ransom. Following the clergy kidnappings the Catholic Church openly criticized the government’s “inaction,” declaring a week of Mass suspensions and church closings.

The measure forced President Jovenel Moise to announce a reshuffling of the government, including the resignation of the Prime Minister.

Read more at Catholic News Agency