Pope appeals for international aid for Ebola victims in DRC - Vatican News
Pope Leo XIV has called for international aid to combat an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo that has claimed over 2,500 lives. He also expressed condolences for victims of a fatal mining accident in the Central African Republic.
Why it matters
The Pope's appeal highlights the humanitarian crisis in the DRC and the ongoing challenges of managing infectious disease outbreaks in conflict zones.
By Devin Watkins As he prayed the Angelus on Sunday, Pope Leo XIV recalled the ongoing outbreak of the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo. “In my prayers, I often remember the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly because of the spread of the Ebola epidemic, which is unfortunately claiming many lives,” he said. He appealed for the international community to respond to the outbreak. “I encourage a response from the international community that also involves local communities in prevention efforts, in order to save many human lives,” said the Pope. Over 2,500 people have died so far out of 5,300 confirmed cases of the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, which currently has no approved treatment or vaccine. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak an epidemic in May 2026 after cases were reported in the DRC and Uganda.
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