Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has called for stronger international action to help communities affected by a deadly Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, while also offering prayers for people who lost their lives in a mining disaster in the Central African Republic.
Speaking during his Angelus prayer on Sunday, Pope said he continues to remember the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo as the Ebola outbreak spreads and claims more lives. He urged the international community to step up its response and work closely with local communities to prevent further infections.
Pope stressed that local people must be involved in efforts to control the disease. He said cooperation between international organisations and communities on the ground would be important in preventing the virus from spreading further and protecting lives.
The outbreak has become a serious public health concern, with thousands of people affected. More than 2,500 people have reportedly died among more than 5,300 confirmed cases involving the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola. The strain is particularly worrying because there is currently no approved treatment or vaccine specifically available for it.
The situation has placed additional pressure on health workers and communities already facing difficult conditions. Efforts to contain the outbreak have also been complicated by continuing armed conflict in parts of the country. Armed groups have control over several important areas where cases have been concentrated, making it harder for medical teams to reach affected communities and carry out prevention work.
Health authorities have nevertheless continued efforts to protect people from the virus. The Democratic Republic of Congo has received more than 16,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine, which has been used successfully against other strains of Ebola. Authorities are expected to use available resources as part of wider efforts to slow transmission and protect people at greater risk.
Pope's appeal comes as health workers and local communities face the difficult task of responding to the outbreak while dealing with insecurity and limited access to some affected areas. Public awareness, early detection and cooperation with health teams remain important in reducing the risk of further transmission.
During the same Angelus prayer, Pope Leo XIV also expressed his solidarity with the people of the Central African Republic following a deadly mining accident.
The incident occurred on August 18 at an open pit gold mine in Zamboye, where a landslide caused part of the site to collapse. More than 100 people were killed in the disaster, according to authorities.
The tragedy has raised renewed concerns about safety conditions at mining sites in the country. The government said the mine had already been closed before the collapse, adding another troubling element to the disaster.
Pope Leo offered prayers for those who died and expressed his support for their families and communities. He also called for greater attention to safety and legality at mining sites, stressing the need to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The two tragedies highlighted during Pope's Angelus message have affected communities already facing serious challenges. The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is putting pressure on health systems and threatening vulnerable populations, while the mining disaster in the Central African Republic has left families mourning the sudden loss of loved ones.
By drawing attention to both situations, Pope Leo XIV urged the wider international community not to overlook people facing crises in parts of Africa. His appeal focused on practical support, cooperation with local communities and stronger efforts to protect human life.
As health authorities continue working to contain Ebola and the Central African Republic deals with the aftermath of the mining disaster, international assistance and local cooperation are likely to remain essential in helping affected communities recover and protect more lives.