Cardinal Parolin condemned the attack on a church in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The attack is considered a dangerous sign. The Vatican official expressed solidarity with the local church. The incident highlights the ongoing security challenges in the region.
5 months ago
Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin has expressed grave concern over a July 27 attack on a Catholic church in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) 1, labeling it a "dangerous sign" 2 3. The assault, which occurred during a prayer vigil in northwestern DRC, resulted in the deaths of at least 31 members of the Eucharistic Crusade, a prayer movement for children and young people 2 3.
Initial reports indicate that terrorists stormed the church in Komanda, Ituri province, a mineral-rich area contested by various armed groups 2 3. The attackers, identified as members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), shot worshippers and subsequently looted and burned nearby businesses 2 3. Cardinal Parolin described the ADF as a force representing "Islamic jihad" that imposes itself through "force and violence" 2 3.
The attack highlights the escalating insecurity faced by Christians in the DRC 2 3. Cardinal Parolin noted that the addition of a religious dimension further aggravates a region already plagued by numerous ethnic, cultural, and sociopolitical conflicts 2 3. This incident raises alarm about the vulnerability of religious communities amidst ongoing instability 2 3.
Beyond the DRC, Cardinal Parolin also addressed the earlier July attack on the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza, the sole Catholic church in the area, which killed three people 2 3. He asserted that Israel bears the responsibility to prevent such "mistakes" from recurring 2 3. Regarding the broader Israeli-Hamas conflict, Parolin reiterated the Holy See's belief that a solution lies in direct dialogue aimed at establishing two autonomous states 2 3. He acknowledged the increasing difficulty of this path, particularly due to the situation in the West Bank and the impact of Israeli settlements, which do not favor the creation of a Palestinian state 2 3. The Cardinal mentioned an upcoming conference in New York, sponsored by France and Saudi Arabia, to discuss practical terms for a Palestinian state, expressing hope for a positive outcome 2 3. The Holy See maintains constant communication and strong collaboration with the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem 2 3.
How does the Church respond to violence against its faithful?
The Catholic Church responds to violence against its faithful by upholding the principles of legitimate defense, condemning violence, and advocating for peace and the protection of human rights.
The Church teaches that love toward oneself is a fundamental moral principle, making it legitimate to insist on respect for one's own right to life . This extends to the defense of one's own life or the lives of others, even if it means the aggressor may be seriously harmed or killed . The primary purpose of such defense is the preservation of life, not the intention to kill .
For those responsible for the lives of others, such as family members or state authorities, legitimate defense can be not only a right but a grave duty . This duty requires rendering the unjust aggressor unable to inflict harm, even by armed force, to the extent necessary to protect lives . However, any defensive action must be necessary and measured, meaning that using more than necessary force is unlawful . The fatal outcome in such cases is attributed to the aggressor whose action brought it about .
The Church unequivocally proclaims that violence is evil and unacceptable as a solution to problems, stating that "Violence is a lie, for it goes against the truth of our faith, the truth of our humanity. Violence destroys what it claims to defend: the dignity, the life, the freedom of human beings" . Christians are called to reject all forms of violence, including psychological or social violence, and the abuse of power .
The Church recognizes the duty of nations to defend human life and the common good against threats like terrorism and aggression, especially when people are persecuted for their religion . Pope Francis has noted that there are more martyrs in the Church today than in the early centuries, emphasizing that the "blood of our Christian brothers and sisters is a testimony which cries out to be heard by everyone who can still distinguish between good and evil" .
While acknowledging the justifiable use of military force as a last resort, the Church stresses that it should not be indiscriminate or disproportionate . Direct and intentional attacks on noncombatants and the use of weapons of mass destruction are considered fundamentally immoral . The Church encourages the reallocation of resources from armed conflict to address the urgent needs of the poor and the root causes of violence, and supports policies that protect refugees of war and those suffering religious persecution .