Vatican City: The Church will soon honor the courageous witness of Floriberth Chui, a young Congolese layman who was murdered for standing firm in his Christian convictions and rejecting corruption. The beatification ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, June 15, and will be celebrated by Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, during a solemn Mass at St. Paul’s Basilica in Rome.

Floriberth, just 26 years old at the time of his death, paid the ultimate price for refusing to participate in bribery and for upholding justice in his role as a customs officer.

Born on June 13, 1981, in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Floriberth completed his primary schooling and went on to earn a degree in law. He worked for the Congolaise de Contrôle, a state agency that inspects imports. Stationed at the Congo-Rwanda border, he carried out his duties inspecting goods with unwavering integrity, rooted deeply in his Christian faith.

Beyond his official work, Floriberth was known for his service to the poor and his commitment to educating underprivileged children. His life was marked by a profound sense of Christian responsibility.

Floriberth’s moral courage was tested when he was pressured to allow the passage of spoiled food in exchange for bribes. He confided in Sister Jeanne Cecile, a doctor at Goma hospital, sharing his moral dilemma:

"This money will vanish quickly. But what about the people who would eat this? If I take the bribe, will I still live in Christ? Can I call myself a Christian? It's better to die than to accept money that costs lives."

On July 7, 2007, Floriberth was abducted after leaving a local store. His body was discovered two days later, showing clear signs of violent torture. A medical report determined he died on July 8, the day after he was kidnapped.

His courageous stance sparked a movement for his recognition within the Church. The cause for his canonization was officially opened in 2015. On November 25, 2024, Pope Francis approved the decree recognizing Floriberth’s death as an act of martyrdom in defense of the faith and moral justice.

Floriberth Chui’s beatification serves as a powerful reminder of the Gospel’s call to truth and sacrifice. In a world plagued by injustice and corruption, his life stands as a testimony to the strength of conscience formed by faith. His story resonates far beyond his homeland, inspiring the global Church to courageously resist evil, even at great personal cost.