Pope Leo XIV laments death of Mozambique bishop killed in ‘grave act of violence’

Pope Leo XIV on June 6 mourned the death of Quelimane Bishop Osório Citora Afonso after the Mozambique prelate was killed during what authorities said was a home invasion.

Government officials earlier in the day said Afonso was killed by gunshot when assailants invade his home. The prelate, who was appointed to lead the diocese in July 2025, had warned repeatedly of violence in the region prior to his death.

A press release from the Holy See said Pope Leo XIV had “learned with sorrow of the grave act of violence” that took Afonsoʼs life. The bishop led the Quelimane Diocese and also served as apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Beira.

The pope “joins in prayer with the people of the Dioceses and of Mozambique in this hour of bewilderment, so that the Lord may give them consolation, so that he may guard in his love every man and woman and stop the hand of violence,” the statement said.

Earlier in the day Episcopal Conference of Mozambique President Archbishop Inácio Saúre said in a statement that he “appeal[ed] for serenity in faith and fraternal solidarity, in the hope that we will be able, in due course, to provide accurate and detailed information regarding this sad event.”

‘Dark clouds’ over southern African nation

The papal charity Aid to the Church in Need also mourned Afonsoʼs passing on June 6. The charity said the murder “adds yet another dark cloud over the Church in Mozambique.”

The Church there “is already grappling with terrorist violence in the north of the country, particularly in Cabo Delgado Province,” the organization said. Afonso had warned several times prior to his murder of the threat of violence in that province.

Mozambique “remains a priority country for ACN, which has supported the local Church at many levels, not only through humanitarian aid, but also by promoting psychosocial support and the reconstruction of infrastructure,” the charity said.

A Mass was planned for the repose of Afonsoʼs soul on June 6, with funeral arrangements to be announced later.

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