Pope prays for Mozambique after the execution of Archbishop Osório Citora Afonso

Following the mourning period, Pope Leo XIV publicly expressed his dismay at the assassination of the Bishop of Quelimane, Dom Osório Citora Afonso, who was shot dead last Saturday (June 6th) at the episcopal residence in Mozambique. In a message released through his Telegram channel (Holy See Press Office), the Pontiff – who is currently on an apostolic journey in Spain – joined the people of the diocese and the entire Mozambican nation in prayer during this time of "disorientation".

According to the text released by director Matteo Bruni, “Pope Leo XIV learned with sorrow of the grave act of violence that caused the death of His Excellency, Bishop Osório Citora Afonso […] and joins in prayer with the people of the diocese and of Mozambique […] that the Lord may grant them consolation, keep every man and woman in his love and stay the hand of the violent.” It is worth remembering that the Pope is currently on an apostolic journey in Spain.

According to information presented at a press conference by officials from the National Criminal Investigation Service, the bishop was hit by several shots in the chest and heart area – leaving him no chance of survival. However, the motives for the crime are still unknown, and investigators are working on the case.They are working to further ascertain the facts of the incident.     investigations.

The grief of the Mozambican bishops also came to light. Archbishop Inácio Saúre of Nampula, president of the Episcopal Conference of Mozambique, expressed, on behalf of the entire local Church, his sorrow for the tragedy. In an official statement,          appealor     "to faith and fraternal solidarity" at this time     difficult.It should be noted that the     Dom Citora Afonso occupied     He held the position of Secretary-General of the Episcopal Conference and, between 2017 and 2023, was an official of the Dicastery for Evangelization.

Similarly     , the President of the Republic of Mozambique, Daniel Francisco Chapo,     expressed deep sorrow and regret.In a note highlighting the death ofprelatelike a“          irreparable lossto       the entire Christian communityand     "The whole of Mozambican society."