Mozambique: Catholic bishop shot dead in his residence, police say

Bishop Osorio Citora Afonso of Quelimane, Mozambique, has been killed by a gunshot in his episcopal residence, police announced Saturday. The bishop, who was 54, was reportedly struck by a single bullet to the chest, described by the national criminal investigation service as a "murder by shooting."

The circumstances surrounding the death remain unclear, with the Mozambique Catholic Bishops' Conference stating he was found lifeless under "mysterious circumstances that remain to be clarified." Police spokesperson Maximino Amilcar confirmed it was a homicide during a press briefing outside the bishop's residence.

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Il a été touché «à la poitrine, au cœur» par «une seule balle probablement».

Bishop Afonso had served as the bishop of Quelimane since August 2025 and was also appointed interim administrator of the Archdiocese of Beira in April by Pope Leo XIV. The Vatican expressed profound sadness over the "grave act of violence."

Mozambican President Daniel Chapo conveyed his "deep sadness and consternation," calling the bishop's death an "irreparable loss for Mozambican society." The European Union's representation in Maputo urged authorities to conduct a "thorough and transparent investigation" to bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly.

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Le pape Léon XIV a appris avec une profonde tristesse le grave acte de violence qui a entraîné la mort de Son Excellence, Mgr Osório Citora Afonso.