Vatican City: Pope Leo on Sunday expressed deep concern for the people of eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, where ongoing violence has triggered a serious humanitarian crisis and forced many families to flee their homes.
Speaking after the Angelus prayer, the Pope said the situation in the region remains extremely difficult as armed conflict continues. He noted that many people have crossed borders in search of safety, especially into neighboring Burundi, after being driven from their communities by insecurity.
Pope called on all parties involved in the conflict to choose dialogue over violence. He invited the faithful to pray that talks may open paths toward reconciliation and lasting peace for the region.
Suffering in eastern DR Congo has also been worsened by extreme weather. Earlier this week, heavy rains caused a landslide in a city in the eastern part of the country, killing at least eighteen people. The disaster has added to the hardship faced by communities already struggling with displacement and instability.
Many of those fleeing violence are now living in overcrowded refugee camps, where access to food, clean water, and medical care is very limited. Church sources say the risk of disease is growing, with illnesses such as cholera beginning to spread among people weakened by hunger and exhaustion.
Turning his attention to southern Africa, Pope Leo also expressed solidarity with communities hit by severe rains and flooding in recent days. The floods have claimed more than one hundred lives and left widespread destruction across several countries, including South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe.
Pope assured the affected populations of the Church’s closeness and prayers. He remembered those who have died, families who have lost their homes, and all those involved in rescue and relief efforts, asking God to grant them strength and hope during this time of suffering.