Islamic State militants destroyed a historic Catholic church in northern Mozambique

Historic Catholic Church in Mozambique Destroyed in ‘Scene of Terror’ by Islamic Extremists

A historic Catholic church in northern Mozambique has been destroyed in a fresh attack linked to Islamic State militants, continuing years of violence against both Christian and Muslim communities in the region.

According to the report published by The Daily Declaration, extremists attacked the historic St Louis de Montfort Church in Meza, located in the northern province of Cabo Delgado, on 30 April 2026. The assault reportedly destroyed the church building, parish offices, and the residence of the Piarist missionaries serving the area, while a church-run kindergarten was vandalised.

The church was founded in 1946 and had become an important Catholic center in the Muslim-majority region.

Bishop António Juliasse Ferreira Sandramo described the aftermath as “a scene of terror,” saying homes and infrastructure were destroyed and civilians were forced to witness hateful speeches by the attackers.

The report also cited the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED), which stated that the Islamic State-Mozambique group claimed responsibility for the attack on 1 May. ACLED noted that attacks specifically targeting churches are relatively rare in the region and suggested this incident may have been designed to attract international attention.

According to the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, Islamic State-Mozambique has carried out sustained violence against both Christians and Muslims since 2017. Over recent years, attacks reportedly intensified in Christian-majority communities within Cabo Delgado province, including the burning of churches and killings of Christians in nearby districts.

Despite the destruction, Bishop Sandramo said the faith of believers remains strong. In remarks shared through Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), he said:

“The faith of God’s people will never burn.”

The bishop also appealed for international solidarity and prayers for affected communities in Meza and across northern Mozambique.