Mozambique bishop killed by intruders at his residence

Bishop Osório Citora Afonso of the Diocese of Quelimane, 54, was found lying in the corridor of his residence, with local reports saying he had been shot in the chest. According to the Fides News Agency, the National Criminal Investigation Service has opened an investigation.

Initial findings from Mozambican authorities indicate that the bishop was killed with a shot from a modernised Kalashnikov (AK-M) by intruders who scaled the building walls and disabled the security system.

Mozambique’s President Daniel Chap issued a statement, expressing “deep sorrow and consternation” at the news, and describing the bishop’s death as an “irreparable” loss for Mozambique.

The bishop “distinguished himself throughout his life by his humility, pastoral dedication and his preaching of the values of peace and reconciliation”, President Chap wrote.

Pope Leo XIV, who appointed Bishop Afonso to Quelimane last year, “learned with sorrow of the serious act of violence” that claimed the bishop’s life, Vatican News reported.

He was also appointed this April apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Beira, replacing Archbishop Cláudio Zunna, who resigned for health reasons.

The Holy See Press Office’s Telegram channel stated that Pope Leo “joins in prayer with the people of the dioceses and of Mozambique in this time of bewilderment, asking the Lord to grant them consolation, to keep every man and woman in his love, and to stay the hand of the violent”.

Known affectionately to many as “Don Osório”, the bishop served as an official of the Dicastery for Evangelisation, Section for First Evangelisation and the New Particular Churches, from 2017 to 2023, maintaining close ties with the Dicastery thereafter. He was also a close collaborator of the Fides News Agency.

Archbishop Inácio Saure, president of the Mozambican bishops’ conference, said that he had called an emergency meeting to discuss the situation.

FULL STORY

Mozambique bishop killed (By Filipe D’Avillez/The Pillar)

Pope mourns death of Mozambican Bishop Citora Afonso (Vatican News)