Three Italian nuns murdered in Burundi

Two of the three nuns.

KAMENGE (BURUNDI) – Three Italian missionary nuns were murdered Monday at their convent in Burundi, announces the Diocese of Parma.

The three nuns, and not two as initially thought, appear to have been killed during an attempted robbery. Two have been named as Sister Lucia Pulici and Sister Olga Raschietti. The Diocese of Parma, to which the women belonged, announced their deaths and stated that the circumstances of the crime remain unclear.

The Bishop of Parma, Enrico Solmi, has asked for the Christians of Parma to pray for the Missionary community and the nuns’ families and called for “meditation and homage to these people of humility and strength, who were dedicated to the good of all."

Meanwhile Federica Mogherini, the Italian foreign minister, offered her condolences and praised the “total dedication of those who spent their lives alleviating the terrible suffering that still exists on the African continent.”

She also stated that the Italian government is now awaiting clarification from the Burundi authorities about the incident.