"Worshippers gathered at Goma Catholic Cathedral on Wednesday for Christmas Eve Mass, the first time since the city fell under the control of the M23 militia. Footage shows men, women and children filling the cathedral as clergy led hymns and prayers, offering moments of reflection and hope in a city scarred by years of violence. "We went through a difficult situation last January, a time of atrocious war. Many people died, and if we are here today, it is only by the grace of God and his help," said Benjamin Kasereka, a local. "We ask God to unite us and to calm the leaders so they can reach an agreement and the war can end," added Bernadette Kandolo. "Enough blood has been shed. We are all children of the same Father." The Bishop of the Goma Diocese in DRC, Willy Ngumbi Ngengele, used the Christmas service to appeal for peace in the region. "We need to feel like all the other countries in the world, where people can celebrate without fear," the bishop said. "That is the meaning of the message I wanted to give, and to ask the Lord that this peace may come, since people are weary. They are weary of the issue of war," he stressed. Years of fighting between government forces and the M23 movement have displaced millions and destabilised large parts of eastern DRC. The conflict escalated this year, with M23 seizing the main cities of Goma and Bukavu. Kinshasa accuses Kigali of supporting the group - allegations Rwanda firmly denies."