OTTAWA - The news of the release of our friend Clementina Cantoni by her abductors in Kabul has filled us with joy and relief. Armed gunmen held Clementina for 24 days in the Afghan capital where she was abducted on May 16.

We talked to Clementina this morning at her home in Milan before she appeared at a press conference. We expressed our great relief that she was not harmed and safely rejoined her family and loved ones. She acknowledged that she could feel all the prayers and positive energy that was coming her way while in captivity. She was overcome with emotion and thanked everyone who contributed in any way to her release.

The Afghan people, especially hundreds of widows, showed their solidarity by denouncing the kidnapping and demonstrating daily against this heinous act. Afghans are known for their hospitality towards their friends and guests. This act went counter to Afghan, Islamic and human norms.

We applaud the hard work and efforts of the Afghan authorities and the Italian government, who worked diligently for Clementina’s safe release. Many others, including H.H. Pope Benedict XVI, Afghan elders and religious figures, the United Nations mission, NGOs, including CARE International, and the international community contributed to her safe release.

At this moment, our thoughts and prayers are with Clementina, and with her dear family and friends. We are overjoyed with the news of her release.