SW News: Pope Francis is getting ready to travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo from January 31 to February 3, but violent attacks are still leaving a lot of citizens dead or hurt, especially in the eastern part of the Central African country.
In a telegram, Pope Francis conveyed his sorrow for the terrorist bombing. The telegram, which was delivered to Rev. André Bokundoa-Bo-Likabe, President of the Church of Christ in Congo, was signed by Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

The Pentecostal church in the eastern city of Kasindi was bombed on Sunday in the most recent attack. Hundreds of worshippers had gathered to witness the baptisms of newcomers to the congregation. At least 14 people were killed and over 40 others injured when the explosion shook the church's courtyard.
The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, and the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), which is a partner of ISIS, received blame from the Congolese army. With more than 120 armed organizations and militias operating in the area, violence has claimed numerous lives in eastern Congo for decades.
The violence has caused at least 6 million people to become internally displaced, many of whom are experiencing severe food insecurity, according to the United Nations.

Meanwhile, Archbishop Ettore Balestrero, the Apostolic Nuncio to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, said in an interview with Vatican News that the attack sent a worrying signal because it confirms the deterioration of the situation on the ground.

The Nuncio further mentioned that a separate blast at Beni's principal market in North Kivu occurred on the same day as the attack. According to Archbishop Balestrero, the province has been under assault for more than a year, demonstrating how the situation has gotten worse.

“In any case, I would say that peace in the East is still a long way off.” The main purpose of Pope Francis’ visit, he added, is “to awaken faith in those who do not have it, and to strengthen the joy of those who do.