Congo’s 66th Independence Day: a call for national unity from the Catholic Church
On the 66th anniversary of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s independence, Archbishop Fulgence Muteba Mugalu of Lubumbashi delivered a powerful message to the nation, emphasizing the urgent need for reconciliation, forgiveness, and national cohesion.
An urgent message from the pulpit
During a solemn mass at the Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral in Lubumbashi, the Archbishop warned that the country risks losing its future if it fails to embrace a path of lasting peace. Addressing religious leaders, Catholic faithful, and distinguished guests, he called for deep reflection on the nation’s trajectory.
« We must become a country that is respected and dignified. To achieve this, we need consensus to build lasting peace, we must forgive one another, reconcile, and strengthen our national cohesion based on the philosophy of living together. If we do not take this path, the risk of losing this country is great. We are therefore forewarned. »
The Archbishop, who also serves as President of the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO), stressed that the grandeur of the DRC can only be guaranteed if its people prioritize dialogue, mutual forgiveness, and the pursuit of the common good.
Peace as the foundation of Congo’s future
In a context marked by security challenges, political tensions, and social divisions, the head of the Catholic Church in Congo highlighted the urgency of a collective awakening. For him, no political, economic, or institutional reform can yield sustainable results without genuine national unity.
