“DR Congo urgently needs to regain peace”, Cardinal Ambongo Says, Calls for Truth, Justice

Kinshasa, 25 September, 2025 / 5:20 PM

Fridolin Cardinal Ambongo of the Catholic Archdiocese of Kinshasa has called for lasting peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), emphasizing that the peace must be rooted in truth and justice.

In his September 21 homily at Our Lady of Congo Cathedral of his Metropolitan See, Cardinal Ambongo reflected on the Congolese people's desire for stability and harmony.

“DR Congo urgently needs to regain peace,” the Congolese Cardinal declared, noting that decades of conflict in regions such as North and South Kivu, Ituri, Mai-Ndombe, Kwilu, Kwango, and elsewhere have left the country scarred.

He noted that justice and peace are the foundations for social cohesion and sustainable development, and called for national unity that transcends divisions.

Framing his message within the context of both the United Nations International Day of Peace, marked on September 21, and the National Justice and Peace Day declared by the members of the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO), Cardinal Ambongo called for immediate action.

He emphasized that the celebration was meant as a gesture of solidarity with all populations affected by violence and conflict, saying, “They no longer know where to turn.”

“Let us act now for the advent of a peaceful world,” the Local Ordinary of Kinshasa Archdiocese, who also serves as President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), said.

The Congolese member of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (OFM Cap) further said, “This is not merely a slogan, but an urgent call for us to rise together to build lasting peace based on justice, solidarity, equitable access to education, healthcare, and essential needs, and on respect for the dignity of every Congolese man and woman.”

Making reference to the book of the Prophet Amos (8:4-7), he denounced persistent social injustices, saying, “Hear this, you who crush the poor and bring ruin to the humble of the land…”

The Cardinal condemned “the logic of predation and privilege” that diverts elites from their mission, to the detriment of a people “completely devastated.”

Referring to St. Paul’s letter to Timothy (1 Timothy 2:1-8), he underscored the need to pray for political leaders.

“Those who hold authority must be guided by the light,” he said, adding that “peace and justice are gifts from God,” Cardinal Ambongo said.

At the conclusion of the Mass, Bishop Félicien Mwanama Galumbulula, President of Justice and Peace Congo (JPC), delivered a solemn message titled “For a Peace Based on Truth and Justice.”

Citing the Gospel of Matthew 5:13-14, the Local Ordinary of Luiza Diocese reminded the people of God of their vocation to be “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world.”

“The security situation in our country will not improve on its own or from abroad; it is the responsibility of every Congolese and the Congolese people as a whole,” Bishop Mwanama said.

He underscored the importance of naming realities clearly, saying, “Restoring the truth means calling by name the daily massacres, all forms of injustice and oppression, and the extreme poverty of our people. Not to stigmatize, but to help change behaviors and mindsets, and to give peace a chance.”

Bishop Mwanama denounced “the extreme impoverishment of large segments of the population” alongside the enrichment of a minority. 

He urged leaders to “work for the emergence of a nation where men and women live in harmony and peace,” noting that “peace for all comes from justice for each.”

Recalling Saint John XXIII’s Encyclical Pacem in Terris, the Congolese Catholic Bishop emphasized that “every human being is a person, a subject of universal, inviolable, and inalienable rights and duties.”

Making reference to Pope Leo XIV, he said, “The world thirsts for a disarming and inspiring peace, not based on fear or weapons, but capable of opening hearts, generating trust, and hope.”

Meanwhile, in the Catholic Diocese of Butembo-Beni, Bishop Melchisedec Sikuli Paluku has called on all citizens to “act for a new Congo.”

In his September 21 homily during Mass marking the National Justice and Peace Day in DRC, Bishop Paluku emphasized the importance of justice, mercy, and stewardship in daily life, urging people to be faithful even in small acts and to use their talents responsibly for the benefit of those in need.

He noted that all individuals holding any form of responsibility—whether in public office, education, or family life—must be accountable for their actions.

Bishop Sikuli described accountability as a cornerstone for building a society guided by justice and peace. 

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He also encouraged Congolese to support the initiatives of the Justice and Peace Commission of CENCO, which works in civic education, national cohesion, human rights advocacy, and peace promotion.

“Every responsibility carries the obligation to give an account. Whether in public, private, or family roles, we must answer for our management before society,” he said, reminding the faithful that their engagement is key to realizing a just and peaceful Congo.