Pope Leo XIV has paid tribute to the newly beatified Floribert Bwana Chui, a young Congolese martyr who was murdered in 2007 for refusing to accept corruption. During an audience with bishops from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Pope recalled the words of Pope Francis, who praised Floribert’s commitment to honesty and his refusal to succumb to corruption. The Pope emphasized that Floribert’s strength to resist corruption came from his deep prayer life and his commitment to serving the poor.
The Pope highlighted Floribert’s love for the poor, particularly street children in Goma, whom he cared for and educated. Floribert’s commitment to the poor was rooted in his faith, and he saw them as a reflection of Christ. The Pope described Floribert as a “man of peace” who fought for justice and peace with gentleness, serving the poor and practicing friendship and understanding in a divided society.
The Pope also emphasized Floribert’s dream for a better future, where there would be no more war, hatred, or violence. Floribert’s confidence in the future was rooted in his faith in Jesus Christ, and he encouraged his friends not to resign themselves to evil but to live for a greater purpose. The Pope saw Floribert’s testimony as a valuable example of how young people can be the leaven of peace in a world torn apart by violence.
The Pope concluded by asking for Floribert’s intercession and that of the Virgin Mary for peace in Kivu, the Congo, and all of Africa. He emphasized the need for peace and justice in the region, which has been plagued by violence and war for many years. The beatification ceremony, which took place in Rome, was a celebration of Floribert’s life and witness, and a reminder of the importance of living a life of faith, hope, and charity.