Pope denounces deadly attack on Christians in DR Congo.

The Pope, the State Department, the United Nations, and a leading Christian group have all criticized a recent attack on Christians in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The United Nations reported that at least 49 people were killed in the attack by rebels from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a group linked to Islamic State. The incident occurred in a church in the town of Komanda, where worshippers were attacked with machetes and knives during a night vigil.

The rebels also burned nearby homes, and nine children were among the victims. Some villagers were also abducted during the attack. The State Department labeled the ADF as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in 2021 and condemned the violence against Christians in the DRC.

Pope Leo XIV condemned the attack, expressing hope that the victims' sacrifice would lead to peace and unity in the Congo. The U.N.'s Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) denounced the violence as a violation of international humanitarian law. A Christian charity representative stated that the ADF aims to establish an Islamic caliphate in the region, similar to ISIS's actions in Iraq and Syria in 2014.

Recent reports indicate that 70 Christians were beheaded in a church in the DRC in February, while violence against Christians is also prevalent in Nigeria. The Open Doors International's 2025 World Watch List highlighted that a significant number of Christians killed globally were in Nigeria. Despite peace efforts in the DRC, Christians remain vulnerable to attacks, especially in rural areas where security is lacking.

The situation in the DRC underscores the urgent need for the Congolese government to protect all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs. Failure to address the threat posed by groups like the ADF could have devastating consequences for the country.