Pope Leo XIV Prays for Peace After Horrific Attack on Congolese Catholic Church

Pope Leo XIV has expressed profound sorrow and dismay following a horrific attack on a Catholic church in Komanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, which left nearly 40 people dead. The Holy Father offered a message of hope, stating, "May the blood of these martyrs become a seed of peace, reconciliation, fraternity, and love for the Congolese people."

The brutal assault occurred on July 27 in eastern Congo's Ituri province, when rebels stormed the Parish of Blessed Anuarite during a vigil, opening fire on worshippers. At least 38 individuals, including women and children, were confirmed dead inside the church, with an additional five killed in a nearby village.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, conveyed Pope Leo XIV's sentiments in a telegram addressed to Archbishop Mugalu, President of the Congolese Bishops’ Conference. The message highlighted the Pope's "dismay and deep sorrow" upon learning of the attack, which "caused the death of several faithful gathered for worship."

Cardinal Parolin emphasized that this tragedy serves as an urgent call "to work for the integral human development of the martyred population of that region."

Concluding the telegram, Pope Leo XIV imparted his Apostolic Blessing upon the Parish of Blessed Anuarite, the grieving families, the faithful of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the entire nation, offering spiritual solace and strength in this time of immense suffering.

Congolese authorities have attributed the attacks in Komanda to the Allied Democratic Force (ADF), a rebel group with ties to the Islamic State. The ADF has a history of targeting civilians in eastern Congo and across the border in Uganda.

We pray for the families and communities of those who have been martyred and for those who continue to suffer persecution, imprisonment or violence because of their Christian faith: that they may be consoled in their grief, protected from further harm, and find strength and solidarity in the love of Christ and His Church.