Catholic Bishop Shot Dead After Warning of Violence

Photo: pillarcatholic.com

QUELIMANE, MOZAMBIQUE — Bishop Osório Citora Afonso was shot and killed at his residence over the weekend after armed assailants entered the property and opened fire, according to local authorities. The bishop, 54, died from gunshot wounds sustained during the attack on June 6 at the official residence of the Diocese of Quelimane.

Investigators from Mozambique’s National Criminal Investigation Service said they have launched procedures to identify the perpetrators, noting that an undetermined number of attackers were involved. Church officials described the killing as occurring under “unusual circumstances." The Episcopal Conference of Mozambique called for calm and prayers as inquiries continue. The bishop had recently warned that Islamist insurgent attacks in northern regions were causing deaths, displacement, and destruction among local communities.

Pope Leo XIV issued a message of condolence following the “serious act of violence,” praying for the Church in Mozambique and urging consolation for those affected. Afonso had also served as apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Beira and was appointed bishop of Quelimane in 2025. Authorities have not announced any arrests as the investigation remains ongoing.

Previously, the UOJ reported that more than 30 Orthodox Christians were killed in Ethiopia’s Oromia region.

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