Pope Francis has called on the Congolese authorities as well as the international to take action to end the bloodshed and aggression against civilians in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo where dozens were killed last week.
Speaking after Sunday’s prayers at St Peter’s Square, Pope Francis regretted the recent massacre carried out by ADF rebels who killed at least 82 civilians, many of whom were Christians.
“Painful news of clashes and massacres continues to arrive in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. I address my appeal to the national authorities and international communities so that everything can be done to put an end to the violence and safeguard the lives of civilians” the Pope said.
“Among the victims, there are many Christians killed in odium fidei, they are martyrs. Their sacrifice is a seed that grows and bears fruit and teaches us to witness to the Gospel with courage and consistency.”
The civil society and populations in the east have expressed disappointment over the Congolese authorities’ complicity or lack of seriousness to ending the violence in the eastern part of the country.
