Pope and UN Condemn Attacks on Christians in DRC

Recent assaults on Christians in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have drawn condemnation from the Pope, the United Nations, and major Christian organizations.

The latest incident, part of a troubling trend of violence tied to Muslim extremists, involved rebels from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in the eastern town of Comanda. This attack hit a church where congregants had gathered for prayers at around 1 a.m. last Sunday. It’s reported that the church was targeted while those inside were praying for peace. Additionally, nearby homes were burned, and among the deceased were nine children.

In a statement, Pope Leo XIV expressed his sorrow, stating, “May the blood of these martyrs be the seed of peace, reconciliation, fraternity, and love for the people of the Congolese.” The Vatican indicated that the Pope was deeply affected by this horrific event.

Monusco, the UN’s mission in the DRC, voiced significant outrage over what they called “heinous acts of violence,” labeling them serious violations of humanitarian law and human rights.

Ilylia Dhajadi, a senior researcher at Open Doors, explained that the ADF has a clear agenda to establish an Islamic caliphate in the DRC, which is concerning, especially given that Christians make up about 80-95% of the population in the region. He noted, “The presence of Islamic State groups suggests that sub-Saharan Africa is becoming a new epicenter for jihadism.”

Increasing Violence Against Christians

Reports indicate that this isn’t an isolated incident. Just in February, 70 Christians were beheaded at another church in the DRC. In Nigeria, the situation is similarly dire, with Pope Leo XIV remarking on the recent killings of about 200 individuals in Benue state on June 13.

According to Open Doors International’s World Watchlist, the majority of Christians killed globally in the last reporting period were in Nigeria, highlighting the alarming trend of violence against Christians.

Dhajadi also pointed out that, despite diplomatic efforts for peace in the DRC led by the United States, Christians in the eastern part of the country remain vulnerable. He commented, “While urban areas are somewhat secured, rural regions are left exposed, allowing groups like the ADF to continue their brutal attacks on innocent civilians.” He stressed the Congolese government’s responsibility to protect its people, insisting that this violence should not be tolerated.