Priest Christiaan Kappes Fox 59

(Batesville, Ind.) - A Catholic priest with ties to southeast Indiana is missing in Greece.

Father Christiaan Kappes was an associate minister at Saint Louis Church in Batesville from 2002 until 2005. He then moved on to Holy Name Church in Indianapolis. For the past three years, Kappes has been studying in Greece on behalf of the Vatican.

Fox 59 in Indianapolis reports that last Saturday, Kappes began frantically calling his family to tell them about escalating violence involving his friend and translator.

Kappes’ relatives now say they have not heard from Kappes in more than three days. They fear he may be in danger, or worse.

The family has reached out to the U.S. Embassy in Athens for help. Senator Richard Lugar’s office is working with the Embassy and FBI to locate Kappes.

“As with any case, Senator Lugar’s expert casework staff is utilizing their contacts to assist the family in every way possible.  We are hopeful they locate Father Kappes very soon,” Wayne M. Stanley, Press Secretary for Senator Richard Lugar, told Fox 59.

Stanley also said the U.S. State Department is on the case and working with the American Citizen’s Services Chief in Greece.

The Archdiocese of Indianapolis is aware of the situation.

“We have talked to his family and Church authorities about the matter,” a statement from the Archdioceses read. “We are concerned that Father Kappes' family has not been able to contact him in recent days. We are praying for the well-being of Father Kappes and his family and for Father Kappes' safe return to the United States.”