As violence escalated in Goma 27 January, Bishop Willy Ngumbi Ngengele expressed solidarity with the people, assuring them of the church’s support.
Rebels from the M23 movement, allegedly backed by Rwanda, have advanced on the city, causing widespread destruction and displacing tens of thousands.
The bishop, who heads the Diocese of Goma, condemned the bombing of a maternity hospital, in which newborns died, and looting by both civilians and military personnel, urging respect for human life and basic services.
Goma, a city of over 2 million, is a crucial humanitarian hub and gateway to mining regions.
Fierce fighting between rebels and the Congolese army has already killed at least 25 people.
Georgette Kahongya, a local Catholic, described the dire situation, with many lacking food and water and fearing for their lives.
Christian organisation World Vision reported that around 400,000 people have fled the violence, and key roads and the airport in Goma are now blocked.
African leaders, including Kenya’s President William Ruto, are working to bring about peace talks to end the violence.
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