The Catholic Bishops of Africa have issued a strongly worded condemnation following the killing of a Mozambican Bishop Osório Citora Afonso, describing the act as a grave assault on human dignity and religious freedom.
In a statement released in Accra on 6 June 2026, and signed by Fridolin Ambongo, President of Symposium of the Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), the bishops said they had received the news “with profound shock, sorrow, and indignation”.
The statement described the killing of the Bishop of Quelimane and Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Beira as “a heinous act” and warned that it “constitutes not only an attack on the life and dignity of a devoted servant of the Gospel but also an assault on the values of peace, justice, human dignity, and religious freedom that are essential for the flourishing of every society.”
The bishops did not mince words in their condemnation. “We strongly and unequivocally condemn this barbaric crime,” they said.
They stressed that religious leaders must never be targets of violence, stating, “No religious leader, regardless of faith or denomination, should ever become the target of violence.” The statement further emphasised that those committed to service and reconciliation “deserve protection and respect, not persecution and death.”
Mozambique bishop shot dead in episcopal residence in suspected armed attack
Calling for accountability, the bishops urged the Mozambican authorities to act swiftly. “I call upon the Government of the Republic of Mozambique and all competent authorities to undertake an immediate, thorough, transparent, and independent investigation into this crime,” the statement read.
They added: “We urge that all those responsible, whether direct perpetrators, accomplices, or masterminds, be identified, prosecuted, and brought to justice without delay.”
The bishops insisted that justice must be seen to be done, noting: “The people of Mozambique, the Catholic Church, and the international community deserve the truth.”
Beyond the investigation, the Church leaders also called for stronger protections for clergy and places of worship, warning that “Religious freedom is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of every democratic and peaceful society.”
They placed responsibility squarely on the state, stating: “The State bears a solemn responsibility to ensure that all citizens can practice their faith freely and safely, without fear of intimidation, violence, or persecution.”
The statement also conveyed deep sympathy to the local Church and the bereaved family, saying, “We express our deepest condolences and spiritual closeness to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Mozambique, the clergy, religious, and lay faithful of the Diocese of Quelimane and Archdiocese of Beira.”
Honouring the late bishop’s life, the bishops described him as “a faithful pastor whose life was dedicated to the service of Christ and His Church.”
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