“Every life lost is a tragedy”: Catholic Bishop in Ethiopia Urges Reconciliation amid Renewed Fighting

Bishop Lisane-Christos Matheos Semahun of the Eparchy of Bahir Dar-Dessie urged Catholics to reject hatred and support peace efforts in a pastoral letter dated October 3. The bishop, who also serves as the communication commissioner for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ethiopia, called on his community to pray for enemies and care for those affected by renewed fighting in parts of the country.

In his letter, Bishop Lisane-Christos expressed sadness over the fear, displacement, and loss caused by the conflict within his eparchy, which covers areas in the Amhara, Benishangul-Gumuz, and Afar regions. He asked his people to refrain from rejoicing in the suffering of others and to support dialogue, justice, and reconciliation. He described the grief of families losing children or being displaced from their homes as deeply saddening.

The bishop stated he did not write to judge any specific group or party but to encourage people to respond to the violence with compassion and wisdom. He urged Catholics to show particular care for the elderly, children, the wounded, and the bereaved while asking for God's mercy.