Catholic Bishop in Mauritius Urges Dialogue, Attention to Social Injustice amid Unrest

Bishop Jean Michaël Durhône of the Diocese of Port-Louis called for dialogue with authorities and a focus on social injustice following recent unrest in Mauritius. During a Mass for peace held on October 17 at Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens Parish, the bishop urged citizens to uphold human dignity and avoid inciting violence.

The unrest followed demonstrations regarding living costs and water shortages, which escalated after police shot and injured 27-year-old Élodie Thomas on October 9. A police sergeant has been provisionally charged in connection with the shooting of Thomas, who was wounded while traveling home from work.

Bishop Durhône stated that peace requires justice and collective responsibility. He noted that the Church does not condone the destruction of public property, such as the metro and other infrastructure, or the disregard for the law. He encouraged people to work with authorities in a spirit of communion and to consider the suffering that drives violent actions. Parishes throughout the diocese held simultaneous Masses for peace following the bishop's invitation.