Church responds to massacre of Christians in Democratic Republic of Congo

Militants stormed a Catholic church in Komanda, northern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in a brutal attack earlier this week that has shocked the nation.

The attack, by suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) fighters, happened during a night-time prayer vigil in Komanda overnight on 26–27 July 2025. At least 43 people were killed, including women, children and religious leaders. Over 15 were seriously wounded and an unknown number abducted. An estimated 400–500 displaced survivors fled to nearby towns like Bunia, Makeke and Salama due to fear of further attacks.

The Congolese Episcopal Conference (CENCO) condemned the "ignoble massacre" and criticised the government’s failure to protect civilians despite years of martial law and UN peacekeeping presence in Ituri province. The Bishops Conference in DRC has demanded a thorough investigation and justice, while local bishops urged resilience amid fear.

Pope Leo XIV sent his profound condolences to the Bienheureuse-Anuarite of Komanda parish and expressed "consternation and profound affliction", urging the blood of martyrs to "seed peace and reconciliation".

Aid agencies, including CAFOD’s sister organisation, Trocaire, have raised the alerts to support the many families in the area who are either displaced or hosting others, and facing food and shelter shortages.

CAFOD's Africa Director, Verity Johnson, said:

“Humanitarian agencies are scrambling to provide aid for displaced families facing food and shelter shortages, and other nearby churches have opened their doors to those seeking refuge. Without a sustained and coordinated effort to address the root causes of the violence - including ethnic tensions, competition over resources and weak governance - civilians will continue to bear the brunt of this crisis.”