Pope mourns victims of attack on refugee camp in DR Congo

By Linda Bordoni

Pope Francis said he is close to those affected by a deadly attack on the Mugunga refugee camp in the Democratic Republic of Congo and he exhorted political leaders to work in the service of peace and fraternity.

The Pope‘s concern and invitation to seek peace and reconciliation came as he learnt of the death of at least nine people, most of them children, who were killed on Friday, 3 May, following an explosion or explosions at a camp for displaced persons in the eastern Congolese city of Goma.

At least 20 others were reportedly wounded in the attack, blamed by a DRC government spokesman, on M23 rebels.

In a telegram addressed to the Bishop of Goma, Willy Nugumbi Ngengele, and signed on his behalf by the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Pope said he learned with sorrow of « the cowardly attack perpetrated in the refugee camp of Mugunga“ in DR Congo.

Expressing his closeness to all those « affected by this act of blind hatred which has not spared many children,“ the Holy Father said he « supports the injured and the grieving families with his prayers, and prays for the repose of all those who lost their lives.“

He voiced firm condemnation for « any act of violence to resolve conflicts,  violence – he said – of which the poorest and most deprived are always the first victims“ and he invited the Congolese people to keep hope alive.

The Pope concluded with an invitation to political actors « to work resolutely in the service of peace and fraternity.“