Father Giovanni Scalese was among thousands of foreigners who fled the country in the run-up to the full withdrawal of U.S. forces in August. The Italian priest landed in Rome along with five Missionaries of Charity nuns and 14 orphaned and disabled children and young adults in their care.
The 20-year American military presence in Afghanistan had hoped to bring stability and an end to its use as a terrorist sanctuary, but the tumultuous exit has laid open fears for the future.
Father Giovanni Scalese, along with five Missionaries of Charity nuns and 14 orphaned and disabled children and young adults in their care, arrived safely in Rome Aug. 25.
In an Aug. 25 news conference, the Taliban announced that Afghans will no longer be able to leave the country.
“The fall of Afghanistan and the departure of its elected leaders are a cause for concern, because of the possible denial of human rights, particularly for women and girls,” said Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio.
The Taliban, an extremist Islamic movement that ruled Afghanistan until ousted by a U.S.-led coalition nearly 20 years ago, began taking over large swaths of the country as U.S. forces withdrew.
Operation Allies Refuge, which began July 30, brought planeloads of Afghans to Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C.
