Father Tom Uzhunnalil wipes tears from his eyes after a moment of commotion during a press conference on his recent rescue from Yemeni militants, in Rome, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017. Uzhunnalil had worked for more than four years as a chaplain at the home in Aden in southern Yemen established by Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity and was abducted by militants in March 2016 when they attacked the home, killing 16 people, including four nuns. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
The Associated Press
VATICAN CITY (AP) - A Catholic priest from India who was freed after being held 18 months in Yemen says he was never physically harmed during his captivity, even if his captors feigned hitting him on videos seeking ransom.
The Rev. Tom Uzhunnalil told reporters Saturday that his kidnappers "have not injured me at all."
Indian officials announced Tuesday that Uzhunnalil had been freed and brought to Vatican City. The head of the Salesian order to which Uzhunnalil belongs, Don. A.F. Artime, said they have no knowledge of any ransom having been paid.
Uzhunnalil lost about 30 kilograms (66 pounds) during his ordeal and was generally weakened. Uzhunnalil said his captors procured tablets to treat his diabetes, and took care of him by giving him food and encouraging exercise indoors.
Father Tom Uzhunnalil attends a press conference on his recent rescue from Yemeni militants, in Rome, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017. Uzhunnalil had worked for more than four years as a chaplain at the home in Aden in southern Yemen established by Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity and was abducted by militants in March 2016 when they attacked the home, killing 16 people, including four nuns. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
The Associated Press
Father Tom Uzhunnalil greets journalists as he arrives to hold a press conference on his recent rescue from Yemeni militants, in Rome, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017. Uzhunnalil had worked for more than four years as a chaplain at the home in Aden in southern Yemen established by Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity and was abducted by militants in March 2016 when they attacked the home, killing 16 people, including four nuns. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
The Associated Press