Catholic priest killed in Africa one day after baptizing 175 people
A Catholic priest killed by militants in Africa. Collage: UOJ
In the Central African Republic, militants killed Catholic priest, Father Crépin Martial Monga. The tragedy occurred on the evening of June 29, 2026, when the pastor of the parish of Saint John the Baptist in the town of Zemio was returning to to the rectory., reports EWTN News.
Unknown assailants shot the cleric in the head, killing him on the spot. A female parishioner traveling with him was also hit by a bullet in the neck. She was rushed to the hospital in Zémio, where she remains in intensive care. Medical personnel say her condition is critical and she may require evacuation to a better-equipped facility.
Authorities have not yet identified those responsible for the attack, and no group has claimed responsibility. The circumstances and motives remain unclear as investigations continue.
Just one day before his death, on June 28, Father Crépin baptized 175 people, among whom were 160 refugees from a zone of armed conflict. On the morning of the day he died, he performed his last pastoral act, accompanying the newly baptized to the banks of the Mbomou River.
Bangassou Bishop Aurelio Gazzera paid tribute to the slain priest, highlighting his commitment to peace. “This is a tremendous loss for the local community and for the Diocese of Bangassou,” he said. He noted that the priest had been actively engaged in peacemaking initiatives and reconciliation between warring parties in the violence-stricken region. According to parishioners who knew him, the only "weapons" the deceased ever carried were a Bible and a rosary.
As the UOJ reported, a Roman Catholic priest was killed in Sudan for exposing the theft of medicines intended for the poor.
Read also
TRC officers mobilize rector of UOC parish in Radisne
Archpriest Mykhailo Bilokin was detained on his way to a service in the Kamianske Eparchy, and his current whereabouts are unknown.
Metropolitan Onuphry consecrates Annunciation Church in Bukovyna village of Ostrytsia
Thousands of faithful from the Chernivtsi-Bukovyna Eparchy of the UOC gathered for the service in the newly consecrated Church of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos.
U.S. delegation visits St. Sophia of Kyiv ahead of peace talks
Zelensky took the U.S. negotiators to St. Sophia of Kyiv.
Rescuers urge Hasidic pilgrims in Uman not to perform rituals in local quarry
The State Emergency Service warned Hasidic pilgrims in Uman about the dangers of ritual immersion in a flooded quarry that is not equipped for swimming.
UOC Social Department provides food packages to 100 displaced families
In Kyiv, 100 internally displaced families received food and essential supplies from the UOC Social Department.
Third Armenian judge refuses to hear case against Catholicos
A third judge has refused to hear the case against the head of the Armenian Church and six bishops, with the case materials sent to the Court of Cassation.