Catholic Church Recognises Congolese Anti-Corruption Martyr Floribert Bwana Chui
The Catholic Church has recognised the life and martyrdom of Floribert Bwana Chui Bin Kositi, a Congolese customs official who was killed for refusing a bribe. On June 15, Cardinal Marcello Semeraro beatified Kositi in Rome's Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, an event that has sparked gratitude and reflection among Catholics in the Congo.
Kositi, who was active in the Community of Sant'Egidio, dedicated his life to serving the poor. He launched a school of peace, aiming to shape the future of his country through education. His commitment to honesty and integrity was praised by Archbishop Flugence Muteba of Lubumbashi, who commended Kositi for upholding Christian ethics in the face of corruption.
In 2007, at the age of 26, Kositi was killed and tortured for rejecting a bribe related to expired foods and goods. His remains were recently transferred from Kanyamuhanda public cemetery to St. Joseph's Cathedral in Goma on July 8. The beatification ceremony in Rome was organised by the Catholic Church authorities, with hundreds of Catholics in the Congo giving thanks for the recognition.
Pope Francis highlighted Kositi's example of honesty and integrity during his apostolic visit to Kinshasa in 2023. Bishop Willy Ngengele Ngumbi of Goma thanked Kositi's family for donating his remains to the church, allowing for his beatification and the continued inspiration of his story.
