Hope Ajayi 
Pope Leo XIV
DR CONGO – Pope Leo XIV has called on the international community to intensify efforts to contain the DR Congo Ebola outbreak, warning that the worsening epidemic is claiming thousands of lives as health officials report that the virus is spreading exponentially.
The Pope makes the appeal on Sunday after reciting the Angelus prayer in St Peter’s Square, expressing concern over the escalating public health emergency in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“In my prayers I often remember the Democratic Republic of Congo, especially because of the spread of the Ebola epidemic, which unfortunately is causing many victims.”
Pope Leo urges the international community to work closely with local communities to contain the outbreak and save lives.
“I encourage a response from the international community that also involves local communities in efforts to save many human lives.”
His appeal comes as the Democratic Republic of Congo battles the deadliest Ebola outbreak in its history. The epidemic has spread across northern and eastern parts of the country, where weak government presence, inadequate healthcare infrastructure and years of armed conflict continue to complicate response efforts.
The Pope, who visited Africa in April, also expresses solidarity with victims of a deadly mining disaster in the Central African Republic.
He offers prayers for those killed in Tuesday’s landslide at a gold mine in Zamboye near the Cameroonian border, where dozens of miners died and many others remain missing beneath the rubble.
“May the Lord welcome all those who lost their lives, and support efforts to guarantee the safety and legality of mining sites.”
“I pray for the deceased and for their families, and for all the communities involved.”
About the Author
Oluwafunbi Bello 
Mirian Gom 
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius