GOMA, Congo (AP) — Islamic State-backed rebels attacked a Catholic church in eastern Congo on Sunday, killing at least 34 people, according to a local civil society leader.

At least 34 people were killed in an attack on church premises in eastern Congo by Islamic State-backed rebels, according to a civil society leader.

Pope Leo XIV mourned those killed in the violent attack on a Catholic Church in the Congo on Sunday by ISIS-backed rebels. The pontiff expressed sympathy and regret over the murders and wished for peace in the region.