Catholic priest shortlisted for $1 million peace prize

Yinka Ogunlami 16:13 - 17 March 2016

Fr Bernard Kinvi, priest of the Order of St Camillus, who saved about 1,500 Muslims from slaughter in the Central African Republic, has been shortlisted for the Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity $1 million peace prize.

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Kinvi, for several months, fed and provided shelter for Muslims who fled from the anti-balaka militia at his mission hospital in Bossemptele. He also helped them escape to the Cameroon boarders.

According to , Kinvi during an interview said that upon being a priest he took an oath to serve and stand with those who have lost everything.

“When I became a priest, I undertook to serve the sick even if it meant putting my life in danger.

“I said that but I didn’t really know what it meant.

“But when the war came, I understood what it means to risk your life. Being a priest is about more than giving blessings; it’s about standing with those who have lost everything.”

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The Aurora Prize is given to individuals who put themselves at risk of others to survive; the prize will be presented by George Clooney in Armenia.