Prosecutors in the Democratic Republic of Congo have initiated a judicial inquiry against Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo of Kinshasa for alleged seditious comments, sparking concern. Cardinal Ambongo, a key advisor to Pope Francis, is under scrutiny for remarks made during his Easter Mass criticizing insecurity in the country’s east, where the army is combating M23 rebels.
The Vatican is closely monitoring the situation as Ambongo faces accusations of incitement. Prosecutors argue that his comments may undermine morale among soldiers and embolden mistreatment by the rebels. The ongoing violence in North Kivu province has displaced nearly two million people since late 2021.
The announcement of the judicial investigation has triggered swift reactions, with clergy, human rights groups, and opposition figures rallying to Ambongo’s defense. Opposition leaders warn that the case sets a dangerous precedent for dissent against the government.
The Catholic Church in the DRC has long been an outspoken critic of corruption, human rights violations, and poor governance. Many Catholics view the government’s actions against Cardinal Ambongo as sacrilegious, likely deepening divisions in a nation grappling with conflict in the east.
