The Catholic Church in the Central African Republic is mourning the loss of Father Crépin Martial Monga-Hadassi, 35, who was killed on June 29 while serving one of the country's most conflict-ridden regions.
His funeral was celebrated on July 1 at Saint Peter Claver Cathedral in Bangassou.
Just one day before his death, on June 28, Father Crépin baptized 175 people in one of his final pastoral acts.
On the morning of June 29, he accompanied the newly baptized to the Mbomou River before returning to St. John the Baptist Parish in Zémio, where he served as vicar.
Later that evening, at around 6:43 p.m., Father Crépin was ambushed while returning to the parish rectory. The attack reportedly took place on the road between a Central African Armed Forces (FACA) checkpoint and the parish residence. He was fatally shot, while a female parishioner traveling with him was seriously wounded.
The identity of the attackers remains unknown, and no group has claimed responsibility.
Bishop Aurelio Gazzera of Bangassou believes Father Crépin may have been targeted because of his tireless efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in southeastern Central African Republic, a region affected by armed groups, government forces, and Russian Wagner mercenaries.
As president of the Local Committee for Peace and Reconciliation, Father Crépin worked to rebuild trust among divided communities and encouraged villagers not to flee into the bush whenever armed patrols passed through.
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