Pope Francis has expressed deep concern over the recent surge of violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where many Christians have been targeted and killed because of their faith.
During his Sunday Angelus prayer, the Pope deplored the clashes and massacres in the region and appealed to both national authorities and the international community to take immediate action to halt the violence and protect civilians.
He specifically highlighted the tragic deaths of Christians as martyrs, emphasizing that their sacrifice serves as a powerful example of courage and faithfulness to the Gospel.
Pope Francis described their deaths as seeds that inspire others to witness their faith with bravery and consistency.
The violence in eastern DRC has been attributed to various groups, including rebels linked to the Islamic State group and the Allied Democratic Forces.
Recent attacks, such as the one in the Beni region where 42 people were killed, including some who were decapitated, underscore the severity and brutality of the situation.
Pope Francis’ plea underscores his commitment to peace and justice, urging global solidarity and action to prevent further bloodshed and protect vulnerable populations in the region.
