A Congolese Customs Worker Who Resisted Corruption is Beatified By The Vatican

June 26, 2025

Congolese customs worker Floribèrt Bwana Chui Bin Kositi was beatified by the Vatican on Sunday, recognizing him as a martyr who was killed in 2007 after refusing to accept a bribe to allow spoiled rice into Congo. The ceremony at St. Paul Outside the Walls basilica in Rome drew many Congolese pilgrims who celebrated their countryman's path toward potentially becoming Congo's first saint. Pope Francis recognized Kositi as a martyr last year, viewing his refusal to permit distribution of rancid food to vulnerable people as an exemplary act of faith against corruption in a country where the practice is endemic.

Who is affected

Congolese citizens, particularly those in Goma
The Congolese Catholic community in Rome and in Congo
Young people in Congo who now have a role model against corruption
People at Goma's Floribert Bwana Chui School of Peace
The broader population of Congo, which suffers from endemic corruption
Poor people who would have received the spoiled rice
Families and community members who knew Kositi, like Olive Njemba

What action is being taken

The Vatican is beatifying Floribèrt Bwana Chui Bin Kositi as a martyr of faith
Cardinal Marcello Semeraro is presiding over the beatification ceremony in Rome
Pope Leo XIV is holding a special audience for Congolese pilgrims
Worshippers in Goma are gathering at Saint Joseph Cathedral to follow the ceremony live
People are purchasing commemorative items with Kositi's portrait
The Floribert Bwana Chui School of Peace is advocating for social justice

Why it matters

Kositi could become Congo's first saint
His example provides a model against corruption in a country ranked 163 out of 180 countries on Transparency International's corruption perception index
The beatification brings joy to Goma during a time of violent conflict and humanitarian crisis
It reinforces Pope Francis's broader understanding of martyrdom as a social justice concept
Kositi represents the "saints next door" concept that recognizes ordinary holiness
His story exemplifies standing up for the dignity of poor people against corrupt practices
The recognition comes at a critical time when Congo's development has been stifled by chronic corruption

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article beyond the requirement that a miracle attributed to Kositi's intercession must be confirmed by the Vatican for him to be canonized as a saint, a process that can take years or more.

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint