In a Phone Call, Pope Francis Comforts Bishop of Mozambique’s Pemba Diocese amid Crisis

In their latest attack, the insurgents on August 12 attacked and seized the port of Mocimboa da Praia in the region, a strategic logistical point for cargo deliveries to ongoing gas projects worth US$60 billion.

Bishop Lisboa has repeatedly denounced the violence taking place in his ecclesiastical jurisdiction and called on the international community to intervene.

In the August 19 phone call with the Holy Father, the Brazilian-born Prelate thanked Pope Francis for “mentioning the humanitarian crisis in Cabo Delgado Province” during the Urbi et Orbi blessing he pronounced on Easter day, April 12.

“I told him that after his mention of Cabo Delgado, there was much more interest from everyone (countries, dioceses from various parts of the world, religious congregations, international organizations, individuals) both inside and outside Mozambique and that, from there, Cabo Delgado went back to the map because it seemed like it was gone,” Bishop Lisboa said in his message.

The 64-year-old Prelate says he informed the Holy Father of the “difficult situation of Praia Mocimboa, which is currently taken by the insurgents and that two Religious people from the Congregation of San Jose de Chamberry working there have not been in contact with the Diocese for a week.”

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The Pope promised to pray for that intention, Bishop Lisboa who is a member of the Congregation of the Passion of Jesus Christ (Passionists – CP) noted in his message.

According to the Prelate, Pope Francis recalled his 2019 visit to Mozambique “very well” during the conversation and expressed his concerns over the Cabo Delgado crisis, offering to help, adding that the Holy Father gave assurance of his care and concern.

“Whatever we need, we can forward it to Cardinal Czerny, the Dicastery of Human and Integral Development,” Bishop Lisboa recalled in reference to the message of Pope Francis during the phone conversation.

He added referencing the Holy Father, “He said he is with us and encouraged us: Adelante!, which means Forward!, Keep going!”

“To close our conversation, he sent his apostolic blessing to all the people of Cabo Delgado and Mozambique,” Bishop Lisboa said in recollection.