Pope Leo condemns brutal machete attack that killed 49 Christians during prayer in DR Congo

A brutal attack by Islamist rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) left at least 49 Christians dead, prompting strong condemnation from the Pope, the U.S. State Department, the United Nations, and Christian advocacy groups. The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an ISIS‑linked terrorist group, attacked a church in Komanda during a night vigil, using machetes and burning homes. Among the victims were nine children, and several villagers were abducted. The ADF aims to create an Islamic caliphate in the region, exploiting a security vacuum in rural eastern DRC, while critics say the Congolese government must do more to protect its citizens.