Haiti: Bishop injured in explosion

Bishop Pierre-Andre Dumas at church in Anse-à-Veau-Miragoâne Diocese after earthquake © ACN

Source: ACN

A Haitian bishop injured in an explosion last Sunday (18th February) is in a stable condition after surgery, according to Church sources.

Bishop Pierre André Dumas of Anse-à-Veau-Miragoâne Diocese suffered burns to his face, arms and legs in a blast while visiting Port-au-Prince, Haiti's capital last weekend.

Archbishop Max Leroys Mesidor of Port-au-Prince, President of the Haitian Bishops' Conference, told Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) that Bishop Dumas had undergone an operation because of his injuries.

He said that authorities have not yet determined the cause of the incident. He added: "It is still uncertain whether the explosion was caused by a gas leak or a criminal act. The police are investigating, but they believe it seems to be a gas explosion."

The Secretariat of the Haitian Bishops' Conference has confirmed that Bishop Dumas's condition remains stable.

Archbishop Mesidor called for prayers for the injured bishop's swift recovery.

Church personnel can be at risk in Haiti - killings and abductions of clergy and religious have occurred in the country before.

In January, six religious Sisters were kidnapped by gunmen and released after five days. A religious Sister was shot dead in 2022, and five priests were kidnapped in 2022 and two in 2023, all of whom were later released.

With thanks to Maria Lozano.

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Aid to the Church in Need: www.acnuk.org