“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 has called on Catholics to reject hatred and support peace as fighting intensifies in parts of Ethiopia. In a pastoral letter dated October 3, the bishop urged Christians to refrain from rejoicing over the suffering or death of those they consider enemies and to pray for them instead.

The bishop, who also serves as the Commissioner for Communication and Public Relations for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ethiopia, expressed sadness over the impact of the conflict on families, children, and the elderly. He specifically noted the plight of people displaced from their homes and those living in fear within his eparchy, which covers areas in the Amhara, Benishangul-Gumuz, and Afar regions.

Lisane-Christos Matheos Semahun asked his community to show compassion toward the wounded and bereaved while supporting efforts for dialogue, justice, and reconciliation. He stated that the Church must speak with faith rather than anger and encouraged all people of goodwill to reject violence.