Pope Leo XIV
By CALLISTUS OFFOR, Abuja-
Pope Leo XIV has expressed his deep sorrow over the recent terrorist attack on a Catholic church in Komanda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, where over 40 Christians were brutally killed during a prayer vigil.
The Pope’s statement came after the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) militants, affiliated with ISIS, attacked the church on the night of July 26-27, 2025, resulting in one of the deadliest attacks on Christians in the region.
NATIONAL ACCORD reports that the terrorists, using guns and machetes, killed at least 43 people (including 19 women, 15 men, and 9 children), injured others, abducted some, and burned homes/shops. The ADF, originating from Uganda, targets civilians amid ongoing regional conflicts.
“I renew my deep sorrow for the brutal terrorist attack…where over 40 Christians were killed in a church during a prayer vigil, and in their own homes,” Pope Leo XIV said in a post on Wednesday via his official X handle @Pontifex
“As I entrust the victims to God’s loving Mercy, I pray for the injured and for Christians around the world who continue to suffer violence and persecution.” He said.
The Pope urged local and international leaders to collaborate in preventing such tragedies, emphasizing the need for collective action to protect the faithful. “I urge all those with local and international responsibility to collaborate in order to prevent such tragedies,” he added.
This attack highlights the ongoing violence and persecution faced by Christians in various parts of the world. Pope Leo XIV’s statement serves as a call to action, reminding world leaders of their responsibility to ensure peace and security for all citizens, regardless of their faith.
In recent months, Pope Leo XIV has been vocal about promoting peace and condemning violence. During his inaugural mass, he warned against exploiting nature and marginalizing the poor, emphasizing the Church’s role in building bridges and fostering dialogue. He has also used social media to urge world leaders to choose peace over war, saying, “War is never inevitable. Weapons can and must fall silent, for they never solve problems but only intensify them”.
The Pope’s commitment to peace and his condemnation of violence reflect his vision for a more harmonious world, where people of different faiths and backgrounds can coexist without fear of persecution.
