Catholic Bishops in Mozambique Appeal for Peace, Justice ahead of Christmas, Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year Celebrations

More than 130 have been reported killed in clashes with law enforcement agencies, a Reuters December 24 reported indicates, citing civil society monitoring group Plataforma Decide.

On Monday, December 24, Mozambique’s Constitutional Council, the country’s top court with the final say over electoral processes, confirmed the victory of the ruling party, Frelimo, that has governed the Southern African nation since 1975.

In their Christmas 2024 message, Mozambique’s Catholic Bishops expressed their awareness of the awaited verdict of the Constitutional Council and urged Mozambicans to prioritize national unity over division. 

They note that peace must be rooted in truth and justice, and warn against both violence and repressive reactions.

Anticipating that the verdict of the Constitutional Council will not satisfy all parties, CEM members appealed for responses that would foster dialogue.

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“We are aware that the announced results may not satisfy all Mozambicans. However, we hope they are based on electoral truth, supported by verifiable and credible evidence,” the Catholic Church leaders say.

They add, “We must ask ourselves: What will our reaction be to a result that does not align with our expectations and convictions? How will the essential governance of the country continue? Regardless of the results, the only path to follow is love for our ‘Beloved Homeland,’ grounded in a commitment to justice, the construction and consolidation of peace, harmony, and national unity.”

“Let us use all our creativity, humility, and intelligence to build peace, which must prevail among all Mozambicans. Let us open ourselves to honest dialogue, setting aside anything that may hinder or even prevent it,” CEM members say.

They continue, “The peace and well-being of Mozambique are worth more than any personal, party, or group interest, whether national or foreign. Let us not succumb to the temptation of resorting to imposition, repression, violence, or destruction.”

They warn against the dangers of division, emphasizing that “imposition and repression lead to forced and defeated coexistence; violence and destruction lead to a polarized and impoverished nation.”

Reflecting of the Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year and the Golden Jubilee of Mozambique’s Independence, CEM member urge citizens to make these celebrations a foundation for consolidating peace and national unity.

“May these celebrations lead us to consolidate peace and harmony among us. The peace Christ brought does not allow us to veer toward paths of discord but rather encourages us to embrace paths of justice, reconciliation, and the culture of encounter among brothers of the same nation. Let us trust in the teachings of the Prince of Peace,” Catholic Bishops in Mozambique say.

They call on Mozambicans to adopt attitudes of simplicity, solidarity, and mutual respect as exemplified by Jesus. 

“These attitudes would help us renounce the luxury of a few to ensure necessities for all; abandon unchecked accumulation and greed for the country’s development; move away from autocratic power to create space for more inclusive governance that values competence and diverse opinions; and replace contempt with respect, honesty, trust, hospitality, solidarity, and mutual esteem,” CEM members say.

They continue, “Love must have a place in our political, economic, and social choices so that our nation is genuinely beloved and opens a path of hope for all Mozambicans.”

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“May the spirit of Christmas enter our families, guiding our decisions and choices. May the New Year find us committed to building a renewed Mozambique. These are our prayers and wishes for these festive days, appealing to every citizen to contribute to the construction of peace,” CEM members implore.

“Renouncing the luxury of a few to ensure necessities for all; abandoning unchecked accumulation for the country’s development; moving from autocratic power to inclusive governance that values competence and diverse opinions—these are the paths we must take,” the bishops asserted.

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