“His Holiness Pope Leo XIV learned with dismay and deep sorrow of the attack perpetrated against the Parish of Blessed Anuarite in Komanda, which caused the death of several faithful gathered for worship,” said Cardinal Pietro Parolin, reportedly sent in a telegram message on the Pope’s behalf to Archbishop Fulgence Muteba Mugalu, President of the Congolese Bishops’ Conference.

“His Holiness implores God that the blood of these martyrs may become a seed of peace, reconciliation, fraternity, and love for the entire Congolese people,” read the telegram. “The Holy Father sends his Apostolic Blessing to the Bienheureuse-Anuarite Parish in Komanda, especially to the bereaved families, as well as to the daughters and sons of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the whole nation.”

”May the blood of these martyrs become a seed of peace, reconciliation, fraternity, and love for the Congolese people,” said Pope Leo XIV. 

The attack also drew international condemnation. 

“France condemns in the strongest possible terms the July 27th attack by the Daesh-affiliated Allied Democratic Forces on a church in Komanda, located in Ituri province, in the northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The attack, which occurred around 1 a.m., left at least 43 civilians dead,” read a statement by the French Foreign Affairs Ministry.

“France expresses its solidarity with the Congolese government and offers its condolences to the victims’ families and loved ones. France stands with the Congolese authorities in their effort to combat terrorist groups and protect the Congolese people.”

The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a peacekeeping mission in the region, expressed outrage at the attack, telling Newsweek that the slaughter was a “heinous act of violence” and “serious violations of international humanitarian law and infringements on human rights.”

“These targeted attacks against defenseless civilians, particularly in places of worship, are not only appalling, but also in violation of all human rights standards and international humanitarian law,” said Vivian van de Perre, acting head of the organization.

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Vicky Hartzler, chairwoman of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, said the attack by the ISIS-backed rebels was “deeply alarming” and called on the U.S. to provide support.

“The recent increase in attacks on Christians and other religious communities by the ISIS-affiliated Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in the Democratic Republic of Congo is deeply alarming,” Hartzler said in a statement to Newsweek. “The most recent attack is particularly disturbing as it targeted a place of worship during an evening service — individuals should have the freedom to worship without the fear of putting one’s life at risk. USCIRF strongly condemns these attacks and calls on the U.S. government to provide all possible support to curtail this disturbing trend.”