The Mozambican police have launched investigations into the fatal shooting of the Catholic Church’s Bishop Osório Citora Afonso of Quelimane.
Bishop Citora Afonso (54), a Consolata missionary, was found lifeless in a corridor of his episcopal residence in the early hours of June 6, allegedly shot in the chest, near the heart, a statement said.
Archbishop Inácio Saúre of Nampula, president of the Mozambique bishops’ conference, described the shooting as sad, appealing for the serenity of faith and fraternal solidarity among Catholics. 
The church in Mozambique said it was “in a state of shock”, with Archbishop Saúre saying the circumstances around Bishop Citora Afonso are not yet known.
The Mozambique president, Daniel Chapo, described the loss as irretrievable for the Mozambican society and the Christian community. He regarded Bishop Afonso as having “distinguished himself throughout his life by his humility, pastoral dedication, and his preaching of the values of peace and reconciliation”.
In April, Bishop Osório was appointed the Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Beira, replacing Archbishop Cláudio Zunna, who had resigned for health reasons.
