African Catholic Bishops condemn killing of Mozambican Bishop, demand justice

The Catholic Bishops of Africa have strongly condemned the killing of Bishop Osório Citora Afonso of Quelimane, Mozambique, describing the incident as a heinous attack on human dignity, religious freedom and the values of peace and justice.

Authorities in Mozambique said he was killed in a home invasion.

Government officials said Afonso was killed by gunshot when assailants invade his home. The prelate, who was appointed to lead the diocese in July 2025, had warned repeatedly of violence in the region prior to his death.

A press release from the Holy See said Pope Leo XIV had “learned with sorrow of the grave act of violence” that took Afonsoʼs life. The bishop led the Quelimane Diocese and also served as apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Beira.

In a statement issued from Accra, Ghana on Monday , the African bishops expressed shock, sorrow and indignation over the violent death of the prelate, who also served as Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Beira.

The statement was signed by Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, Archbishop of Kinshasa and President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM).

According to the bishops, the killing of Bishop Afonso in his episcopal residence in Quelimane represents not only an attack on a devoted servant of the Church but also a direct assault on the principles that underpin peaceful and democratic societies.

“We strongly and unequivocally condemn this barbaric crime,” the statement said.

“No religious leader, regardless of faith or denomination, should ever become the target of violence. Those who dedicate their lives to serving God and promoting reconciliation, solidarity, education, charity and the common good deserve protection and respect, not persecution and death.”

The continental body called on the Government of Mozambique and relevant security agencies to launch an immediate, transparent, independent and thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the bishop’s death.

SECAM urged authorities to ensure that all those responsible for the crime, including perpetrators, accomplices and masterminds, are identified, prosecuted and brought to justice.

“The people of Mozambique, the Catholic Church and the international community deserve the truth,” the bishops stated.

The African bishops also called on Mozambican authorities to strengthen security measures for religious leaders, places of worship and individuals engaged in pastoral and humanitarian work.

They stressed that religious freedom remains a fundamental human right and urged the state to guarantee that citizens can practice their faith without fear of violence, intimidation or persecution.

The statement conveyed condolences to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Mozambique, the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the Diocese of Quelimane and the Archdiocese of Beira, as well as members of Bishop Afonso’s religious congregation, his family and loved ones.

The bishops described the late cleric as a faithful pastor who dedicated his life to the service of Christ and the Church.

“We join them in mourning the loss of a faithful pastor whose life was dedicated to the service of Christ and His Church,” the statement read.

The bishops prayed for the repose of Bishop Afonso’s soul and expressed hope that the tragedy would inspire renewed commitment to justice, peace, respect for human life and the protection of religious freedom across Mozambique and the African continent.