Pope Francis today renewed an appeal for an end to violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where security forces have gunned down protesters during pro-democracy demonstrations called by the local Catholic Church.
The call from Francis comes after at least six people were killed and dozens wounded as government-backed forces dispersed the protest on Sunday, in the latest in a series of violent clashes between Catholics and the authorities.
On New Year's Eve, police stormed Catholic churches and fired tear gas during mass, leaving at least 8 dead.
'Unfortunately, worrying news continues to arrive from the Democratic Republic of Congo,' the pope told a crowd in St Peter's Square after his regular general audience.
'I, therefore, renew my appeal that everyone make all efforts to avoid any form of violence. From its side, the Church wants nothing other than to contribute to peace and to the common good of society.'
The Catholic Church, which is highly influential in Congo, has become increasingly vocal in its condemnation of president Joseph Kabila's insistence on staying in office long after the end of his mandate.
The Catholic charity CAFOD today said that the Catholic Church leadership will continue calling for implementation of the agreement reached on New Year's Eve 2016 for a transitional road map, leading to elections. Elections have been repeatedly delayed since President Kabila's constitutionally mandated two-term limit expired in December 2016, and are currently scheduled for the end of this year.
'The current stalemate over elections, coupled with the economic downturn has angered people, who have gone on demonstrations across the country,' the group said. 'The Catholic Church has asked their faithful to come out in peaceful protests; and they have been joined by many other Christian denominations, and Muslims.'
CAFOD's country representative in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Bernard Kateta Balibuno said: 'All the efforts of the Catholic Church have put them in danger, but despite this, they have maintained their pastoral message of calling for fair and justice elections in 2018, and standing by the peaceful protests of the people.
'The Church played a crucial role as mediator in negotiations that led to a December 31, 2016 agreement that DR Congo President Joseph Kabila will step down following elections to be held. The agreement brought the country back from the brink of renewed civil war.'
He urgently appealed for help from the international community, adding: 'However, the honouring of this agreement has not prevailed; and today we fear that a powder keg, greater than at any other time in DR Congo, is about to ignite a resurgence of fear, anger, and insecurity, as the people face an uncertain 2018.
'The Church is doing all that it can, but if the international community doesn't react quickly, it will be too late.'
Some 40 per cent of the population identifies as Catholic and the Church has long filled voids in education, healthcare and other services left by an absent state.
Its bishops have frequently spoken out against human rights abuses by the government and alleged plans by Kabila to remove term limits that forbid him to run for re-election.
Additional reporting by Reuters.
