Santi Taboada
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is facing the second-largest Ebola outbreak in its history. Authorities say more than 2,600 people have died, with the virus carrying a fatality rate of 47.9%.
During the Angelus in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV remembered the victims and called for an international response.
POPE LEO XIV
I urge the international community to take action, one that also involves local communities in prevention efforts, to save as many lives as possible.
The DRC is already receiving the first doses of an Ebola vaccine. More than 2,800 cases have been confirmed, and around 800 patients are currently in isolation.
Meanwhile, the Central African Republic, the DRC’s neighbor to the north, has been hit by another tragedy. More than 100 people were killed when a gold mine collapsed in Zamboye.
The gold mine was operating illegally and lacked proper safety measures to protect its workers. The town’s deputy mayor lamented the loss of so many young lives, saying they had little choice but to take the risk. Pope Leo XIV also prayed for those who died in the accident.
POPE LEO XIV
May the Lord welcome those who have lost their lives and support efforts to ensure safety and compliance with the law at all mining sites.
The pope also marked the 10th anniversary of an earthquake that struck central Italy, praying for those who died and for their families.
