Pope Urges Global Action on DR Congo Ebola Crisis! 🚨
Pope Urges Global Action on DR Congo Ebola Crisis! 🚨
Pope Leo XIV makes an urgent plea to the international community to bolster efforts against the rapidly spreading Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, highlighting the humanitarian crisis and need for soli
Pope Leo XIV made an impassioned plea to the international community on Sunday, August 23, 2026, urging intensified efforts to contain the escalating Ebola virus outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Health officials have sounded alarms, warning that the disease is spreading at an exponential rate, threatening countless lives. Speaking after his Angelus prayer in St.
Peter's Square, the Pontiff expressed deep concern:
In my prayers I often remember the Democratic Republic of the Congo, especially because of the spread of the Ebola epidemic, which unfortunately is causing many victims.
He further encouraged a robust international response that actively involves local communities, emphasizing the shared responsibility to "save many human lives." This call to action follows his visit to Africa in April, underscoring his continued engagement with the continent's challenges.
The current outbreak is tragically the deadliest in the DRC's history, claiming thousands of lives and rapidly approaching 5,000 reported cases. The crisis is compounded by a confluence of adverse factors, particularly in the northern and eastern regions where state presence is minimal, health infrastructure is severely lacking, and numerous armed groups contribute to decades of instability and violence.
Amidst these challenges, a crucial delivery of over 16,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine has arrived in the Ebola-hit nation, offering a beacon of hope in the desperate fight against the deadly virus.
Beyond the Ebola crisis, Pope Leo also extended his prayers and closeness to those affected by other recent tragedies.
He remembered the Central African Republic, where a landslide at a gold mine in Zamboye on August 18 killed dozens and left many missing, urging support for efforts to ensure safety and legality in mining sites. Additionally, he cited the upcoming 10th anniversary of a major earthquake in central Italy that devastated Amatrice and claimed around 300 lives, offering prayers for the deceased, their families, and the affected communities.
