Remembered as “a man of dialogue, reflection”, Second Bishop of DR Congo’s Goma Diocese Dies at 90

Goma, 27 October, 2025 / 8:35 PM

Bishop Faustin Ngabu, the second Bishop of the Goma Catholic Diocese in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has passed on after a prolonged illness. He was aged 90.

Bishop Ngabu passed on Sunday, October 26, at 10:30 am at the Charité Maternelle Hospital in Goma, the Local Ordinary of Goma Diocese, Bishop Willy Ngumbi Ngengele, announced in a statement.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to his biological family, friends, acquaintances, and all the faithful of the Diocese,” Bishop Ngumbi says.

He invites the people of God to “pray for the repose of his soul — that the Lord, whom he faithfully served throughout his life, may welcome him into His Kingdom after much suffering, and grant him the grace to behold His glory in the company of all the saints in Heaven.”

Born in 1935 in Lokwa, the late Bishop Ngabu was ordained a Priest in December 1963. He was appointed Coadjutor Bishop of Goma in April 1974 and succeeded the late Bishop Joseph Mikararanga Busimba in September 1974.

He retired in March 2010 at the age of 75.

Following the news of his passing, the Congolese-born Catholic Church leader has been remembered, in social media posts, for spearheading numerous pastoral initiatives and for his dialogical and reflective demeanor. 

“Bishop Ngabu was also a man of dialogue and reflection. He never hesitated to speak on sensitive issues concerning peace, identity, and coexistence among communities. He had a profound belief in a united and fraternal Congolese society, where everyone could live in harmony despite differences,” members of the Chorale Bienheureux Josaphat Chichkov/ Bbo Musimba say in a Facebook post.

They adds “Throughout his life, Bishop Ngabu worked tirelessly for the spiritual and social development of the people of North Kivu. He supported the construction of numerous parishes, schools, health centers, and hospitals to assist the most vulnerable. Thanks to his leadership, the Diocese of Goma became a symbol of living faith and social commitment.”

“He remained close to the people even during the most difficult times – wars, volcanic eruptions, epidemics, and periods of insecurity. For many, his presence and words were a source of courage and hope,” they further say.

On his part, Blaise Basabose says in another Facebook post, “Under his leadership, the Diocese of Goma became deeply rooted in charity and development: he founded Caritas Goma, built schools, hospitals, and parishes, and supported displaced persons and the poor.’

He adds, “A man of faith and courage, he survived several assassination attempts, notably in 2002 during a Palm Sunday procession and in 2007 in the Himbi neighbourhood – signs of a ministry carried out amid storms, yet always anchored in the peace of Christ.”

“May He who has called him to Himself, after so much suffering, welcome him into His Kingdom and grant him the grace to behold Him in His great magnificence with all the saints of Heaven,” Mr. Basabose implores.