Mozambique: Catholic Church condemns terrorist attacks in Nampula – AIM

Login

Register

http://www.clubofmozambique.com/

Mozambique: Catholic Church condemns terrorist attacks in Nampula – AIM

2:29 CAT | 08 Sep 2022

Photo: Notícias

The Catholic Archbishop of the northern Mozambican province of Nampula, Inácio Saure, has strongly condemned Tuesday’s terrorist attack against the Sao Pedro de Lúrio mission, in the village of Chipene, in Memba district.

“The Catholic Church has always condemned this very violent war, a war that takes the lives of many people, especially the very poor who do not even know why this war is taking place”, the archbishop said.

According to the cleric, since terrorist attacks began in the neighbouring province of Cabo Delgado, in October 2017, the Catholic Church has always condemned acts of violence and called for peace in the country.

Speaking at a Nampula press conference, Inácio Saure, who is also President of the Episcopal Conference of Mozambique, was very moved by the murder of an Italian missionary, 84 year old Maria de Coppi, and the destruction of community property, such as a health unit, a primary and secondary school and residences for the nuns.

“It is a concern of the Catholic Church, not only for the believers, but for all the Mozambican people and all of society. There was great destruction of social infrastructure. It was not only the Catholic Church that lost, but all the people and very poor people”, he said.

The archbishop also said that the attack occurred at a time when he was preparing to celebrate the third anniversary of Pope Francis’ visit to Mozambique, as a messenger of peace.

“The mission right now is living in an atmosphere of great fear and turbulence. In the last contact I had with the Comboni Sisters, who are living here in Nampula city, they said that the atmosphere is bleak, there is a lot of fear. I am here with the liturgical customs to celebrate the third anniversary of the visit of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, who came as a messenger of peace”, he lamented.

When asked if the acts of terrorists against missionaries and property did not constitute maltreatment against the Catholic Church, Don Inácio Saure replied that he did not have enough evidence for such conclusion.

“We don’t have the evidence to affirm categorically that it is a persecution. What is certain is that it could be a sign of hatred, let’s say, because just yesterday they burned a mosque before attacking the mission”, he added.

In addition, Ignacio Saure blamed the violence on poverty. “That’s why they stole the goods, and burned the sisters’ house”, he claimed.

Maria de Coppi had been living in Mozambique since 1963. According to eye-witnesses, she was shot in the head, as she tried to make her way to the dormitory, where the few remaining students were staying.

Saure said the other nuns are now trying to recover her body, which will be buried in another mission.

Source: AIM