HARARE — The Archdiocese of Harare is mourning the death of Father Regis Chikuni, whose disappearance had triggered prayers and a search for his whereabouts.

In a statement issued on September 9, 2026, the Archdiocese confirmed that Father Chikuni had been found dead at the mortuary of Parirenyatwa Hospital.

His death has left priests, religious leaders and lay faithful in deep mourning after the Catholic community had rallied in prayer for his safe return. The matter had also been reported to the police, who were assisting with efforts to locate him.

The Archdiocese paid tribute to Father Chikuni for his dedication to pastoral ministry and service to the Church, describing his loss as that of a brother, pastor and servant of God’s people.

The Church has called on the faithful to remain united in prayer and draw strength from the Christian hope of the Resurrection.

Earlier, the Archdiocese had circulated a prayer seeking Father Chikuni’s safe return, invoking Christ as the Good Shepherd who leaves the 99 sheep to search for the one that is lost.

The details surrounding Father Chikuni’s death are still unclear, with many followers demanding additional information from church authorities on a Facebook post shared by the Archdiocese of Harare.