Pope Leo XIV calls for international response to deadly Ebola outbreak in DR Congo

Pope Leo XIV on Sunday called for an international response to a deadly Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, urging the global community to work closely with local communities to prevent further loss of life.

Speaking during the Angelus prayer to crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square, Leo said he was thinking in particular of people affected by the outbreak.

“I often think about the Democratic Republic of Congo, in particular because of the spread of the Ebola epidemic, which unfortunately is causing many victims. I encourage a response from the international community that also involves local communities in preventive work to save so many human lives.”

The pope also offered prayers for victims of a mine collapse in Zamboye, in the Central African Republic, where more than 100 people have reportedly died after an artisanal gold mine collapsed.

“I am also close to the population of the Central African Republic that mourns the victims of the collapse that occurred in a mine in Zamboye. May the Lord welcome those who have lost their lives and support the commitment to guarantee the safety and legality of mining sites.”

Leo's remarks come as communities across central Africa face multiple humanitarian challenges, from infectious disease outbreaks to deadly and unsafe mining conditions.

The pope also remembered communities in central Italy ahead of Monday's 10th anniversary of the 6.0-magnitude earthquake that struck areas of Lazio, Umbria and Marche, killing around 300 people.

During his Angelus address, Leo said he was praying for those communities as they marked a decade since the disaster.