Pope Leo XIV expressed "dismay and deep sorrow" on Monday after at least 40 worshippers were murdered in an attack by rebels of the IS-backed Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) on a Catholic church in the town of Komanda, in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
"This tragedy calls us further to work for the integral human development of the devastated population of this region," Leo said in a telegram to the parish.
"The Pope prays to God that"the blood of these martyrs may be a seed of peace, reconciliation, brotherhood and love for all the Congolese people."
