Saint Joseph Catholic Church

Coadjutor Bishop Aurelio Gazzera, OCD, of Bangassou told the Vatican newspaper that “Russia is a very intrusive presence, both politically, economically, and in terms of information. They are very skilled at managing and manipulating information.”

“Russian mercenaries took some young men, loaded them onto a helicopter, and took them to Bangui,” the nation’s capital, he added. “One of them was tortured, killed, and taken to the morgue still with his hands tied.”

The prelate also spoke about the “humanitarian situation in the Zémio area, with over 30,000 displaced people who need everything.”

“The Church is not and must never be a mouthpiece for any political party or candidate,” the bishops continued. “Our duty is to form consciences, promote the common good, and speak truth to power.”

The southern African nation of 12.4 million (map) is 87% Christian (44% Catholic), 10% ethnic religionist, and 2% Baháʼí.

Pope Leo XIV has “decreed that Saint John Henry Newman, Priest and Doctor of the Church, be inscribed in the General Roman Calendar, and that his Optional Memorial be celebrated by all on 9 October,” according to a curial decree made public on February 3.