Catholic Bishop in Mozambique Confirms Beatification Process for Slain Italian Nun

In brief

Bishop Alberto Vera Aréjula announced that the beatification process for Sister Maria de Coppi will begin in 2027. The Bishop of Nacala, Mozambique, told Aid to the Church in Need that the Presbyteral Council will discuss the process, which follows a required five-year waiting period.

Sister Maria, an Italian Comboni Missionary, was killed on September 6, 2022, during a terrorist attack on the Chipene Catholic mission. The attack lasted from approximately 9 p.m. until 2 a.m. and resulted in the destruction of the church, school, health center, convent, library, dormitories, and vehicles. Sister Maria was 83 years old.