VATICAN CITY (AP) — The Vatican-based news agency, Fides, released its annual report on Catholic missionaries murdered in 2023. The report highlighted the fact that many of the victims were simply living normal lives in areas where violence had become common.
According to Fides, 20 pastoral workers were killed in 2023, including one bishop, eight priests, two religious brothers, one seminarian, one novice, and seven laypeople. This figure was slightly higher than the 18 missionaries who died violently in 2022.
The report emphasized that these missionaries did not carry out any attention-grabbing actions, nor did they seek out sensational deeds that could have put them in harm’s way. Despite being aware of the dangers they faced on a daily basis, they chose to remain in their communities and continue their Christian commitments.
The highest number of missionaries killed was registered in Africa, where nine missionaries were killed. The Americas followed with six missionaries murdered, and four lay men and women died violently in Asia. Additionally, one layman was killed in Europe.
Among the victims was Los Angeles Auxiliary Bishop David G. O’Connell, who was found dead in his home in February 2023. U.S. Father Stephen J. Gutgsell also tragically died after being stabbed in the rectory of his parish in Fort Calhoun, Nebraska, in December 2023.
The report served as a somber reminder of the risks that missionaries face as they carry out their work around the world. It highlighted the sacrifices made by these individuals and the challenges they encounter in their efforts to serve communities in need.