Catholic priest goes 72 hours incommunicado
HARARE– The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Harare has launched an urgent search for one of its senior clerics, Father Regis Chikuni, who has been declared missing.
In an official statement released on behalf of Archbishop Robert C. Ndlovu, the Archdiocese informed the clergy and laity during Sunday Mass yesterday that Father Chikuni is currently unaccounted for, sparking deep concern within the religious community.
The notice, signed by the Archbishop’s Secretary, Father Ephraim Murwira, states that the Church is “concerned about his whereabouts and wellbeing.” While the statement did not provide specific details regarding the timing or location of his disappearance, it emphasized the urgency of the situation.
“We therefore humbly appeal to anyone who may have seen him recently or who may have any information that could assist in establishing his whereabouts to kindly contact the Archbishop’s Office,” the statement read.
The Archdiocese has released two hotlines for information: *0787 280 146* and *0773 403 539*.
Church authorities have urged the public and the media to handle the disappearance with “sensitivity and compassion,” requesting that any leads be communicated directly to official channels.
Following the announcement, a call for spiritual solidarity was issued to the faithful. “As a family of faith, let us unite in earnest prayer, asking the Lord… to guide us in finding Fr Regis safe and sound,” Father Murwira stated.
Father Chikuni is a well-known figure within the Archdiocese of Harare. As of press time, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) had not yet issued a formal comment on whether a missing person’s report has been filed, though the Church is actively seeking public assistance to ensure his safe return.
“We appeal to everyone to treat this matter with sensitivity and compassion. We kindly ask that any information which may assist us be communicated directly to the Archbishop’s Office.
“As a family of faith, let us unite in earnest prayer, asking the Lord, through His loving providence and protection, to guide us in finding Fr Regis safe and sound.
“May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, intercede for him and keep him under her maternal protection,” wrote Fr. Murwira.
Elsewhere in the world there have been several high-profile cases of Roman Catholic priests who have gone missing and these disappearances often occur under circumstances ranging from political unrest and kidnappings to mysterious personal disappearances.
Here are a few notable examples:
1. Father Paolo Dall’Oglio (Syria, 2013)
One of the most famous modern cases involves this Jesuit priest who disappeared in Raqqa, Syria, in July 2013. He was known for his work in interfaith dialogue. It is widely believed he was kidnapped by ISIS-linked militants, but his whereabouts and status remain unknown to this day, despite numerous rumors over the years.
2. Father Reynaldo Rivera (USA, 1982)
In a case that remains a mystery, Father Rivera of Santa Fe, New Mexico, went missing after receiving a phone call asking him to administer the last rites to a dying man at a rest stop. He was later found murdered, but the perpetrator was never caught. The case was featured on Unsolved Mysteries.
3. Father Alexis Prem Kumar (Afghanistan, 2014)
This Indian Jesuit priest was kidnapped by gunmen in western Afghanistan while visiting a school. Unlike many other cases, he was fortunately released eight months later after high-level negotiations between the Indian and Afghan governments.
4. Frequent Kidnappings in Nigeria
In recent years, Nigeria has seen a significant number of Catholic priests go missing. While many are eventually released after being held for ransom (such as Father Maurizio Pallu in 2017), some, like Father John Gbakaan in 2021, were tragically found dead after being abducted.
5. Disappearances in Mexico
Mexico is one of the most dangerous countries for clergy. Numerous priests have gone missing or were abducted before being found dead, often as a result of their work speaking out against drug cartels.
6. Father Alfred Kunz (USA, 1998)
Father Kunz was a canon lawyer in the Diocese of Madison, Wisconsin. While he was ultimately found murdered in his school, the period immediately following his disappearance—and the subsequent investigation into the motive—became a major point of interest for both the church and the public due to the lack of clear evidence.
