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Catholic bishops across Africa have expressed shock and outrage following the violent killing of Osório Citora Afonso, the Bishop of the Diocese of Quelimane and Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Beira in Mozambique.
Bishop Afonso was reportedly shot dead in the early hours of Saturday in an attack that has sent shockwaves through the Catholic Church and the wider African community, according to a report by the Cruxnow.
According to information from Mozambique’s National Criminal Investigation Service, the attackers reportedly scaled the walls of the bishop’s residence, disabled the security system and opened fire using an AK-M assault rifle.
The killing was confirmed by the Archdiocese of Beira, which announced the bishop’s death with “deep sorrow and consternation.”
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“It is with deep sorrow and consternation that we announce the sudden passing of His Excellency Bishop Osório Citora Afonso, IMC, Bishop of Quelimane, to the eternal Father,” the Archdiocese said in a statement.
The president of the Episcopal Conference of Mozambique, Inácio Saúre, described the circumstances surrounding the bishop’s death as disturbing and said investigations were still underway.
Archbishop Saúre appealed for calm and solidarity among the faithful while authorities work to establish the circumstances of the killing.
Mozambique President, Daniel Chapo, also expressed “deep sorrow and consternation” following the bishop’s death.
Meanwhile, the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) has strongly condemned the killing, describing it as a barbaric attack on a religious leader and on the values of peace, justice and religious freedom.
In a statement signed by SECAM President, Fridolin Ambongo, the continental body said it had received the news “with profound shock, sorrow and indignation.”
“This heinous act, perpetrated against a shepherd of God’s people, 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 statement read.
SECAM called on the Mozambican Government and law enforcement agencies to conduct an immediate, transparent and independent investigation into the killing.
The bishops urged authorities to identify and prosecute all those responsible, including perpetrators, accomplices and masterminds behind the attack.
The organisation also called for enhanced security measures to protect religious leaders, places of worship and individuals engaged in pastoral and humanitarian work.
“Religious freedom is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of every democratic and peaceful society,” Cardinal Ambongo said.
SECAM further extended its condolences to the Catholic Church in Mozambique, the Diocese of Quelimane, the Archdiocese of Beira, Bishop Afonso’s religious congregation, family members and all those affected by his death.
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