Massacre at Blessed Anuarite parish, Komanda

Allied Democratic Forces rebels, linked to Islamic State, stormed a Catholic night vigil in Komanda, Ituri province. Congolese authorities and Vatican reporting said at least 38 worshippers were killed in the church, including women and children; later tallies ran from 43 to 49. Homes nearby were burned.

Pope Leo XIV called the dead martyrs. The attack continues a long ADF campaign against civilians in eastern Congo. Counts vary by source; this filing uses the church-floor figure reported by AP and the Congolese bishops’ conference.