Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has expressed profound sorrow over the horrific attack on a Catholic church in the Democratic Republic of Congo, urging that the blood of the slain faithful become a seed for peace and unity in the troubled region.
In a message conveyed through Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, the Holy Father said he was “deeply grieved” by the brutal violence that claimed the lives of at least 38 people during a prayer vigil at the Parish of Blessed Anuarite in Komanda, located in the restive Ituri province.
“May the blood of these martyrs become a seed of peace, reconciliation, fraternity, and love for the Congolese people,” the Pope’s message read, echoing his longstanding plea for peace in conflict-hit African regions. The statement was addressed to Archbishop Marcel Utembi Tapa Mugalu, President of the Congolese Episcopal Conference, who has been coordinating relief and support for victims.
Sunday’s attack, one of the deadliest in recent months, unfolded when heavily armed rebels stormed the church and indiscriminately opened fire on worshippers gathered in devotion. The rampage extended to a nearby village, where five additional civilians were reportedly killed. Women and children were among the victims.
Authorities have attributed the massacre to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an insurgent militia with ties to the Islamic State. Originally a Ugandan rebel group with Islamist roots from the 1990s, the ADF has since entrenched itself in eastern Congo, orchestrating deadly raids on villages and religious centers in a campaign of terror across the borderlands.
Pope Leo XIV, in his message, condemned the attack as an affront to humanity and faith. Cardinal Parolin emphasized that the tragedy underscores the urgent need for integral human development in the region, where communities remain vulnerable to violent extremism and systemic neglect.
Concluding the telegram, the Pope offered his Apostolic Blessing to the grieving families, the faithful of Blessed Anuarite parish, and the entire nation of the Democratic Republic of Congo. He also reaffirmed the Church’s solidarity with the victims and called on the international community to act decisively to restore peace and dignity to the afflicted region.
Meanwhile, Catholic leaders and human rights organizations around the globe have denounced the attack, urging protection for religious minorities and humanitarian aid for survivors. The Vatican has also requested increased security for parishes in high-risk zones and announced that emergency assistance will be channeled through Caritas Congo and other Catholic relief networks.