Rebels Free 7 Nuns Held in Sierra Leone

Seven Roman Catholic nuns held by rebels since Jan. 26 were freed Tuesday, and a priest said they were in “good shape and good spirits.”

Vatican officials refused to say whether a ransom was paid. The nuns, six from Italy and one from Brazil, range in age from 35 to 65.

At least 16 foreigners, including the nuns, have been abducted since November. The rebels have demanded that foreign countries stop all financial and military assistance to the Sierra Leone government in return for the hostages’ freedom.