Severe flooding caused by sustained heavy rains has left large parts of Mozambique facing displacement, loss and deep uncertainty, prompting renewed appeals for solidarity from Church leaders. In recent days, thousands of families have seen their homes destroyed and livelihoods swept away, particularly in southern and central regions of the country. Responding to the unfolding humanitarian situation, João Carlos Hatoa Nunes addressed a message of closeness and encouragement to those affected. He acknowledged the profound suffering caused by the floods, noting that many families have lost not only material possessions but also loved ones. Extending his concern beyond the Catholic community, the archbishop directed his appeal to all people of goodwill, emphasizing shared responsibility in moments of collective hardship. He entrusted victims to prayer and called attention to the emotional and social toll of displacement, underscoring the need for compassion that reaches both immediate needs and longer-term recovery.
The impact of the floods extends beyond Mozambique’s borders, with parts of southern Africa also affected, including regions of South Africa and Zimbabwe. Reports indicate significant loss of life across the region, while hundreds of thousands have been displaced in Mozambique alone, particularly in Gaza province. Against this backdrop, Archbishop Nunes urged reflection on the broader meaning of such disasters, stressing that they are not only natural events but moral challenges that test social responsibility and care for the vulnerable. Drawing on scriptural reflection, he emphasized that crises reveal the consequences of neglecting both people and the environment. According to the archbishop, the suffering of the poor and displaced must be heard as a call to action rather than reduced to statistics. He cautioned against divisive rhetoric or blame, urging discernment, conversion, and renewed commitment to the common good at a time when solidarity is urgently needed.
Translating faith into action, the Archdiocese of Maputo has mobilized its charitable structures to provide concrete assistance to flood victims. Through coordinated efforts led by local Caritas, parishes and communities are collecting resources to support displaced families and those who have lost nearly everything. Archbishop Nunes encouraged participation at every level, reminding the faithful that even small gestures can restore dignity and hope. Looking ahead, he stressed that recovery must go beyond rebuilding homes to include rebuilding relationships, attitudes, and preparedness for future challenges. He expressed hope that this painful moment might also become an opportunity for deeper awareness and social renewal. By fostering a spirit of shared responsibility and care for human life and creation, the archbishop said, Mozambique can emerge more attentive, fraternal, and resilient in the face of future adversity.
