The challenges facing the Catholic Church in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are numerous and varied. Among them, revelations about sexual violence committed by members of the clergy, the decline in vocations and scandals involving priests who became parents. Today, the image of the Catholic priest is being questioned and perceived in a less austere and exoteric way.
In April 2022, the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (Cenco) asked priests who have children and founded families clandestinely to leave presbyteries and renounce their clerical status. However, this call has not been widely followed, with many priests secretly continuing to have intimate relationships and having children with women, at the expense of the faithful.
The children born from these unions often find themselves in difficult situations. They sometimes study anonymously in Catholic schools to avoid ridicule linked to their origins. Unfortunately, the Church has not put in place specific measures to support these women and children, often leaving them in precarious situations.
A moving testimony from a woman, the daughter of a Congolese priest, highlights the tragic consequences of these situations. After her mother’s infidelity with the priest was revealed, she was rejected by her biological father and experienced years of suffering and humiliation. Despite her marriage, she remains unhappy and is ashamed to explain her story to her children.
Faced with these realities, it is urgent that the Church take concrete measures to support the women and children involved in these situations. The Congolese bishops have spoken of the need for support on a case-by-case basis, but this is not enough. It is important that the Church sets up aid and support programs for these families, in order to lift them out of precariousness and stigma.
It is also essential that the Church conducts a deep reflection on the celibacy of priests and its application in the current context. It could be considered to relax this rule and authorize priests to marry, which would prevent much suffering and promote a healthier and more fulfilling commitment to the service of God and the community.
In conclusion, it is time for the Catholic Church in the DRC to become fully aware of the challenges it faces and put in place appropriate solutions to support the wives and children of priests. A human approach, full of compassion and support, is essential to restore the dignity and well-being of these people who have been affected by these difficult situations.