Pope Leo XIV has expressed his deep sorrow over the heart breaking attack on Christian worshippers in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday, carried out by a group linked to the Islamic State.
The assault took place during an overnight prayer vigil at a church in Ituri province, where members of the Allied Democratic Forces stormed in, using machetes to kill dozens. Among the dead were nine children.
“I renew my deep pain for the brutal terrorist attack that occurred on the night between 26 and 27 July in Komanda, in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo where more than 40 Christians were killed in a church during a prayer vigil and in their homes,” Pope Leo said in Italian as he read from his prepared remarks.
“While I entrust the victims to God’s loving mercy, I pray for the wounded and for Christians who around the world continue to suffer violence and persecution, exhorting all those with responsibility at the local and international level to collaborate to prevent similar tragedies.”
Wednesday’s address marked Pope Leo’s return to his regular weekly gatherings with the faithful, following a break for the summer.
