[BlessedBeGod]

insists that the Christians are not hostages but are choosing to stay there and protect the holy site

Then I'm confused by what I saw last weekend on Fox. They showed two Franciscan friars who were allowed to leave the church. When asked by the media if they were held hostage, the gist of what they replied was, "They had guns. What do you think?"

[history_matters]

I share in that confusion, but I have known Father Vasko for a long time, and I trust that when he says they aren't hostages and they are doing their holy work -- I believe him. I hope the Father General/Guardian will clear that up. I know that they are offering Mass every day in the Holy Cave where everything remains lighted by candles.