Pope Leo XIV Sends Message of “deep sorrow” after Islamist Militants Kill Over 30 at Catholic Parish in DR Congo

Media reports indicate that the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a rebel group in the Central African nation, is suspected of assaulting the Catholic Parish. The attack reportedly occurred while Parishioners were attending a prayer vigil at the church on July 26.

The ADF, a rebel group linked to ISIL (ISIS), operates along the Uganda–DR Congo border and has consistently targeted civilian populations in its attacks.

“Before our eyes, we have at least 31 dead, members of the Eucharistic Crusade movement, and six seriously injured... Some young people were abducted; we have no news of them,” the Parish Priest, Fr. Aimé Lokana Dhego, has been quoted as telling AFP.

He added that seven other bodies were discovered in Komanda, a locality about 75 kilometers south of Bunia, the provincial capital.

“Around 9 p.m. on Saturday, we heard gunfire near the parish,” said Dieudonné Katanabo, a local leader. 

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He added, “The ADF broke in, and so far, we’ve counted 35 bodies.”

Christophe Munyanderu, coordinator of the local NGO Convention for the Respect of Human Rights (CNCDH), also blamed the ADF and reported a provisional death toll of 38.

While not confirming the casualty count, army spokesperson Lt. Jules Ngongo acknowledged the ADF carried out the assault. 

“These terrorists have chosen to take revenge on peaceful and defenseless populations to spread terror and divert the joint operation from its objectives,” Lt. Ngongo says in a July 27 statement.

In the July 28 telegram, Cardinal Parolin says, “His Holiness implores God that the blood of these martyrs may become a seed of peace, reconciliation, fraternity, and love for the entire Congolese people.”

“The Holy Father sends his Apostolic Blessing to the Bienheureuse-Anuarite Parish in Komanda, especially to the bereaved families, as well as to the daughters and sons of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the whole nation,” the telegram says.

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.