Prayers for peace
Pray for the gift of peace for all those facing conflict.
Bernard Balibuno, CAFOD's country director for DR Congo.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is still recovering from years of devastating civil war, which killed more than 6 million people and caused the displacement of over 10 million people. Violence is an ever-present problem for vulnerable communities that are also facing the threats of diseases, food shortages and drought.
Bernard Balibuno has been our country director in DR Congo for nine years. Bernard is Congolese and has worked in the humanitarian sector for decades. He will be at a private audience with Pope Francis, alongside other NGO representatives.
What are you hoping to see in your country as a result of Pope Francis' visit?
"The people of DRC have suffered so much loss. For over 30 years, we've had pain, heartbreak all caused by war."
"That is why the visit of Pope Francis is so important. It is a sign of great hope for my country. His visit has already touched the hearts of so many."
"It gives us hope of peace and healing. Our people want peace, we cannot take any suffering or war."
“I - along with so many in my country - hope the Holy Father's visit will bring us toward the lasting peace we deserve”
Bernard also tells us how your donations are changing the lives of families and communities that only a faith-based organisation, like CAFOD, can reach.
What are the key issues people are facing in your country at the moment?
"The people in DRC are facing multiple issues mostly caused by displacement due to the war. Now we are talking of over 10 million people who are displaced."
"The country has also been a scene of many diseases. We’ve had Ebola, Coronavirus and now Cholera."
"Elsewhere in the DRC we’ve had famine, natural catastrophes, environmental issues and fighting between tribes. So all over the country there are a lot of problems, and that is causing the lives of normal Congolese to become even harder."
Read about Pope Francis' visit to DRC and South Sudan.
What are the positive changes you have seen through CAFOD’s support?
"The positive changes that CAFOD has brought in the country is to give hope to the people and the communities we work with. The network of the Catholic Church and other faith organisations in the country is huge."
"The country is over 90% Christian, and we have a lot of diocese all over the country. And through these dioceses we are able to support people in areas where nobody else can go."
“We reach groups and communities that are very hard to reach and have been forgotten basically”
"There's also positivity that we as humanitarian workers, especially we as a Church institution, we are coming already with the experience we have."
What challenges is CAFOD tackling in your country?
"There are many issues we are tackling because of the many problems we have in the country but one of them is supporting those who have been displaced."
"We are able to reach people with food, cash and health support and we provide essential non-food items in case of emergencies."
"We have a lot of projects which focus on the provision of clean water to communities who haven’t seen clean water for a long time. And this is very critical because women and children often have to walk great distances to fetch water, making them extremely vulnerable."
"We also have programmes focusing on peacebuilding, education, livelihoods and agriculture so that people can produce more food for themselves and for their families."
In June 2022, CAFOD sponsored an event in Goma, North Kivu, which showcased young people’s talents in promoting peace building and environmental protection.
Do you have a message for our supporters?
"For our supporters, I would like to thank them for the support they are giving us. Without their support, we can’t do our work and we can’t help save lives. Their love, their prayers and their financial support is reaching the most remote areas. And we who take and deliver that support, we are very privileged to take that support to those who are in need of it."