The Christmas address by the Archbishop of Kinshasa, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, has shaken the political sphere of the Democratic Republic of Congo, sparking a strong reaction between the Catholic Church and the State.
During the Christmas Eve Mass, Cardinal Ambongo strongly criticized the authorities for their inability to establish peace and put an end to poverty among the population. He described the current situation in the country as “nightmarish”, highlighting the armed conflicts in the east of the country and the widespread poverty that is rife.
This stance is not a first for Ambongo who has not hesitated to issue harsh criticism of the government of President Félix Tshisekedi in the past. Indeed, earlier this year, legal proceedings were initiated against him for what they called “seditious comments”.
The Cardinal had previously been accused of “incitement” following his statements about the insecurity in the east of the country, where the army is engaged in fighting against the M23 rebels, during his Easter Mass.
The Catholic Church in the DRC has a decades-long position as a vocal critic of corruption, human rights abuses and poor governance. Its commitment to transparency and social justice makes it a key voice in the country.
This dynamic between Church and State reflects the ongoing tensions within Congolese society, where the struggle for democracy, human rights and respect for the rule of law remain crucial issues.
Cardinal Ambongo’s call for decisive action to end the suffering of the Congolese people resonates as a cry of alarm, calling for collective awareness and concrete actions to establish peace and prosperity in the country.
In short, the voice of the Catholic Church continues to resonate loud and clear in the DRC, reminding that the responsibility of the political class is to respond to the aspirations of the people and to work for the well-being of all.