Catholic Bishops in Mozambique Dedicate Christ the King Solemnity to Prayers for Peace amid Deadly Post-Election Protest

Protests erupted days leading to the announcement of the results of the October 9 Presidential election in Mozambique. Opposition candidates, civil society groups, and observers claimed the elections had been marred by fraud.

The protests intensified on October 24 when the country’s National Electoral Commission (CNE) declared that the ruling party, Frelimo, had won the Presidential election, extending the party’s 49-year hold on power.

In their November 13 statement, CEM members lament the loss of life and property destruction and urge citizens not to lose hope in democracy.

 “We implore all to pursue justice and peace, seeking fair and effective solutions for the challenges facing our nation,” they say.

The Catholic Church leaders continue, “In the face of growing socio-political tension, we feel compelled to mobilize Catholic faithful and citizens of all beliefs to join in a day of prayer, raising awareness of the nation’s needs.”

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They encourage every parish and cathedral to hold special services on November 24, describing these gatherings as “cries for peace, justice, and reconciliation” for Mozambique. 

The Catholic Bishops underscore the importance of collective prayer on this day, “praying for peace as a united gesture for the building of a cohesive nation.”

Beyond this call to prayer, CEM members used the 129th Plenary Assembly to address pressing issues for the Mozambican Church, including their recent Ad Limina visit to Rome. 

They described their meeting Pope Francis and Vatican officials as an opportunity for “effective and affective communion with the Universal Church.” 

Reflecting on preparation for Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year, which coincides with Mozambique’s 50th Independence Anniversary, the Catholic Bishops say these events are “intended as a spiritual renewal for the country.”

 “The Jubilee will be a time of grace for the people of Mozambique, who need God’s mercy and renewed hope for the future,” CEM members say.

They express gratitude to members of the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference (SACBC) for their November 12 solidarity visit.

“This gesture of fraternity is an encouragement for us and the Mozambican people,” Catholic Bishops in Mozambique say.

They urge Mozambicans to become “bearers of hope, commitment, and action, to restore trust and peace.”

João Vissesse is an Angolan Journalist with a passion and rich experience in Catholic Church Communication and Media Apostolate.