Cardinal Laurent Monsengwo, Champion of Nonviolence and Democracy

Cardinal Laurent Monsengwo

Source: Pax Christi USA

"There is a role for everyone to play in educating for peace, for reconciliation and for civic consciousness. It is a challenge for us all, because the Spirit of God must open our minds to a peace which the world cannot give us." Cardinal Laurent Monsengwo Pasinya (1939 - 2021)

Cardinal Laurent Monsengwo Pasinya, former archbishop of Kinshasa and co-president of Pax Christi International (2007 to 2011), has died following a period of illness. He was a force for peace and tireless advocate for democracy in his beloved homeland, DR Congo. He will be sorrowfully missed by the entire Pax Christi movement and his legacy lives on in the important grassroots, nonviolence work we continue to carry out in the Great Lakes region of Africa today.

Cardinal Monsengwo's history with Pax Christi International reaches back more than 20 years. At our World Assembly in Amman (Jordan) he was elected vice-president, and in 2007 named co-president alongside Marie Dennis. "It was an honour to serve as co-president with Cardinal Monsengwo," remarked Dennis. "His deep yearning for an end to the violence in his own country helped to shape Pax Christi International's commitment to nonviolence and reconciliation in Africa."

His presidency marked the considerable expansion of PCI activities in Africa, including creating regional networks for increased faith-based advocacy and capacity building. These efforts included demobilization of combatants including child soldiers, working to stop illicit cross-border small weapons trade, and seeking solutions to end the unlawful exploitation of natural resources in the DR Congo. "The Pax Christi movement is as relevant as ever, because armed conflicts and violence only create never-ending cycles of resentment and revenge," said Monsengwo. "Our world is crying out for justice but also pardon, reconciliation, and peace."

Cardinal Monsengwo was equally committed to the flourishing of democracy and human rights in the DR Congo. He was a significant peace- and bridgebuilder as his country navigated political crises and moved toward democracy. Even as two successive wars set back efforts for just and lasting peace, Monsengwo remained dedicated to the human rights of the people and critical of the international community's exploitation of Congolese resources.

This passion was also well-reflected in PCI activities in the region. These included efforts to end impunity for serious crimes, contributing to peaceful cohabitation and the respect of territorial integrity, and strengthening civil society and promoting political education, especially in light of elections in DR Congo.

In addition to his dedication to the international Catholic peace movement, Monsengwo chaired the national bishops' conference for two terms and was president of the symposium of episcopal conferences of Africa and Madagascar. He also was a leader at the African level, promoted unity and tolerance, and used this platform to urge the Church to work for reconciliation across the continent. His loss will be felt deeply throughout the Catholic church, by the people of DR Congo, and by the Pax Christi International movement.

The Pax Christi USA statement ends: "May he rest in peace and the Lord receive him into the eternal kingdom."

In a condolence message, Pope Francis addressed to Congolese Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besengu, Pope Francis expressed his sadness saying he sends his deepest condolences to the Church and the faithful in the Democratic Republic of Congo and to the Cardinal's family.

Asking the Father of all mercy to welcome him into His peace and light, he described Cardinal Monsengwo as a "man of science, great spiritual man and Pastor intensely devoted to the service of the Church, wherever he was called."

The Cardinal, he said, was attentive to the needs of the faithful, filled with courage and determination. "He dedicated his life as a priest and bishop to the inculturation of the faith and to the preferential option for the poor. In this way, he embodied the prophetic mission of the Church. A man of justice, peace and unity, he has been deeply involved in integral human development in the Democratic Republic of Congo."

"Cardinal Monsengwo was a great and respected figure in the ecclesial, social and political life of the nation and was always committed to dialogue and reconciliation of his people. His contribution has been significant for the progress of the country. A faithful and close collaborator in recent years, he has not ceased to make his contribution to the life of the universal Church."

The Pope concluded imparting his Apostolic Blessing upon the Archbishop of Kinshasa, the auxiliary bishops, the priests, the consecrated persons, the family of the deceased Cardinal and his relatives, the diocesan faithful and all those who will take part in the celebration of the funeral.