Statement of Condolence from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ethiopia

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ethiopia, in mid-October 2025, learned with deep sorrow of the tragic loss of lives and destruction of property that occurred near Asterio Mariam Catholic Church in Midegdu, West Hararge, Oromia Region. We are also grieved to learn, from official statements issued by other religious denominations, that similar acts of violence have been committed against members of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council in the Arsi Zone of the Oromia Region.

The Ethiopian Catholic Church strongly condemns these inhumane acts of violence. We call upon the government to take the necessary legal measures to ensure peace, justice, and the protection of all citizens.

The Ethiopian Catholic Church prays for the eternal repose of those who lost their lives in these tragic events. We also pray that Almighty God may grant true consolation to all Catholics, to the members of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, to the Islamic Affairs of Ethiopia Supreme Council, to all Ethiopians, and to the bereaved families affected by this sorrowful incident.

+  Cardinal Berhaneyesus D. Souraphiel CM
Metropolitan Catholic Archbishop of Addis Abeba
President of CBCE & Chancellor of ECU