Shock and grief have swept through Mozambique’s Catholic community following the killing of Bishop Osorio Citora Afonso, who was shot dead at his residence in the central city of Quelimane under what church leaders described as mysterious circumstances.
The 54-year-old bishop was found dead on Saturday after suffering a gunshot wound to the chest. Authorities believe he was likely struck by a single bullet.
Speaking outside the bishop’s residence, spokesperson for Mozambique’s Criminal Investigation Service, Maximino Amilcar, confirmed the incident and described it as a homicide.
“This is a murder by gunshot,” Amilcar told reporters, adding that investigators were still working to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing.
Mozambican President Daniel Chapo expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, describing Bishop Afonso’s death as a significant loss for both the Catholic Church and the country.
In a statement, the president said he received the news with “deep sadness,” calling the bishop’s death “an irreparable loss for Mozambican society.”
Bishop Afonso had a distinguished religious career that extended beyond Mozambique. He previously served in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Italy before returning home.
He was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Maputo in 2023 and later became a diocesan bishop in 2024. In July 2025, Pope Leo XIV transferred him to lead the Diocese of Quelimane.
The Episcopal Conference of Mozambique confirmed the bishop’s death and called for a thorough investigation into the incident.
Church leaders said Bishop Afonso was discovered lifeless under circumstances that remain unclear and urged authorities to uncover those responsible.
Mozambique, a former Portuguese colony, has a significant Catholic population, with nearly a quarter of its citizens identifying as Catholic according to the country’s most recent census.
Investigations into the killing are ongoing, and no arrests have been announced as of the time of this report.
