Faced with constant violence, mass displacement of the population and abandonment of the weakest, The Catholic Church is 1 of the last pillars of stability, faithful to its mission among the chaos reigning in northern Mozambique.
In the provinces of Cabo Delgado and Nampula, the situation remains dramatic, marked by widespread and continuous violence.
"Cross is not only a symbol of faith; it has become a origin of persecution for those who wear it" – this message of Archbishop Nampula, Inácio Saure summarizes the hard situation of Christians in the region, where Christian religion has become the mark of attacks. Since 2021, rebel groups associated with the alleged muslim State have intensified their activities, attacking Catholic missions in peculiar and forcing the population to control to Islam.
However, according to the hierarch, “the spiritual question does not seem to be the main origin of the conflict.” In fact, behind force lies the conflict to control natural resources, especially the mineral and gas wealth of Cabo Delgado.
In the face of this situation, the Church does not correspond to the logic of the world. "Our answer is not hatred, but forgiveness, service and love," says Fr Archbishop Saure. In the most violent areas, "The Catholic Church remains on the front line, transforming its parishes into guest centers without armoured walls and armed guards".
JG, KAI
