DR Congo: Joy in Goma as local man beatified by Pope Leo XIV

DR Congo: Joy in Goma as Local Customs Official Beatified by Pope

Floribèrt Bwana Chui Bin Kositi honoured as martyr of honesty and justice after resisting corruption.

There was celebration and pride in Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, as locals gathered to witness the beatification of Floribèrt Bwana Chui Bin Kositi — a young Congolese customs worker hailed for his integrity and faith.

The beatification ceremony, held at the Vatican and presided over by Pope Leo XIV on Sunday, marked a historic moment for Congolese Catholics, as Kositi became the first local official to be honoured as a martyr of justice and honesty.

Kositi was kidnapped and killed in 2007, aged just 26, after refusing to accept a bribe to allow spoiled rice from Rwanda to pass into Congo. As a quality control officer at the Congolese customs authority, he understood both the moral and public health consequences of his decision.

“We’re happy because today, the universal Church recognised him as a martyr of honesty and justice,” said Justine Kanyere Kavuo, one of Kositi’s relatives who watched the ceremony live from Goma.

Remembered as a Martyr of Integrity

The late Pope Francis last year recognised Kositi as a martyr of the Catholic faith, clearing the way for beatification. Sunday’s event drew spiritual and national significance across Congo, particularly in Goma, where giant posters were placed around the city in his honour.

“For me, this is a sign that the Lord is calling us to become apostles of moral integrity, especially in financial matters,” said Célestin Kanyabiriri, head of the local organising committee.

Celebration in Goma

In Goma, prayer sessions were held in churches and commemorative cloths bearing Kositi’s image were sold outside cathedrals, symbolising pride in his sacrifice and legacy.

“Those who killed him thought they had ended his life, but God Almighty raised him up, and that is our joy,” said Catholic Church member Olive Njemba.

The event has renewed calls across the country for ethical governance and stronger resistance to corruption in public service.

Kositi’s beatification places him one step closer to becoming DR Congo’s first recognised Catholic saint.

About The Author

Ama Oprah

See author's posts