Bishop David J. Malloy, chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) International Peace and Justice Committee, sent a message of solidarity following the massacre on Pentecost Sunday in Nigeria.
“We join our Holy Father, Pope Francis, in commending the souls of the dead to the loving mercy of God and imploring ‘divine healing and consolation’ for those who are afflicted,” the prelate wrote in a letter, dated 8 June, sent to Nigerian bishops.
According to Archbishop Malloy, “Nigeria, unfortunately, has become too familiar with this growing violence.”
“In addition to the horrific loss of life, this attack is a disturbing development as it occurred in the far south of Nigeria, where such bloodshed had previously been largely unknown,” he said.
He also recalled that “just three weeks earlier, a young Christian student was accused by his classmates of blasphemy and brutally murdered.” “When the police arrested two suspects, riots broke out targeting several Church buildings,” he added.
Bishop Malloy recalled that the Justice and Peace Committee “has supported the Church in Nigeria for many years in its efforts to stop terrorist attacks by Boko Haram and armed groups, build peace between herders and farmers, and ensure credible and fair elections. transparent”.
“The committee remains prayerfully determined as always to support our brothers and sisters in the Church in Nigeria,” the letter concludes.