In just one month, tens of thousands of refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo have fled to Burundi. The explosive growth of Congolese refugees reflects the escalating violence in the country, prompting Pope Leo to speak out during his Sunday Angelus address on January 18.
POPE LEO XIV
Today I wish to recall in particular the great difficulties suffered by the population of eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, forced to flee their country, especially toward Burundi, because of violence and to face a serious humanitarian crisis. Let us pray that dialogue for reconciliation and peace may always prevail among the parties in conflict.
This past Sunday also marked the beginning of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, in which the Pope invited all the faithful to participate.
POPE LEO XIV
The origins of this initiative date back two centuries, and Pope Leo XIII strongly encouraged it.
I therefore invite all Catholic communities to strengthen, in these days, prayer for the full visible unity of all Christians.
The special week of prayer usually begins on January 18 every year, previously the feast of the Chair of Saint Peter, and concludes on the 25th, with the Solemnity of the Conversion of Saint Paul.
