Bishop Osorio Afonso

Author: Gist Correspondent

The Catholic Church in Mozambique has been thrown into mourning following the killing of the Bishop of Quelimane, Most Rev. Osório Cîtora Afonso, who was shot dead by armed assailants at his official residence.

According to reports, the bishop died on Saturday, June 6, 2026, after sustaining a gunshot wound to the heart during the attack.

The tragic incident reportedly occurred inside his residence in Quelimane, where the attackers gained access before opening fire on the cleric.

Church sources confirmed that Bishop Afonso succumbed to his injuries shortly after the shooting, sparking shock and grief among Catholics and the wider Christian community.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the killing, which has raised concerns about security and the apparent targeting of a senior religious leader.

Reports indicate that the assailants used an AKM-type rifle during the attack.

Preliminary findings suggest that the gunmen scaled the perimeter wall of the bishop's residence after allegedly disabling parts of the property's electrical security system.

The attackers reportedly carried out the operation before fleeing the scene, leaving investigators searching for clues that could lead to their arrest.

As of the latest reports, no suspects have been apprehended in connection with the murder.

Security agencies have since commenced efforts to identify and track down those responsible for the deadly attack.

Bishop Afonso was born in 1972 and was ordained a Catholic priest in 2002.

Over the years, he served the Church in various pastoral and administrative capacities, earning a reputation for dedication and commitment to evangelisation.

In 2023, he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Maputo, Mozambique's capital city, marking a significant milestone in his ecclesiastical journey.

His leadership and service later earned him elevation as Bishop of Quelimane in July 2025.

Before his episcopal appointment, he worked at the Vatican as an official of the Dicastery for Evangelization, contributing to missionary and pastoral initiatives within the global Catholic Church.

His death has been described by many faithful as a devastating loss to the Church in Mozambique and beyond.

Tributes have begun pouring in from clergy, religious organisations and members of the Catholic faithful who remembered him as a humble shepherd devoted to the service of God and humanity.

Church leaders are expected to announce funeral arrangements in the coming days as investigations into the circumstances surrounding his killing continue.

The incident has renewed calls for a thorough probe and swift justice to ensure that those behind the assassination are brought to account.