Pope Leo XIV has called for a stronger international response to the worsening Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, urging governments and aid organizations to work closely with affected communities to contain the disease and save lives. Speaking during his Angelus address on Sunday, August 23, the Pope said he was particularly concerned about the situation in the DRC, where the outbreak has become the country’s largest Ebola epidemic on record. The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a strain for which there is currently no licensed vaccine or specific treatment. As of August 12, the World Health Organization reported 4,665 confirmed cases and 2,184 deaths in the DRC. The outbreak had spread across 54 health zones in six provinces.
WHO and Africa CDC have warned that insecurity, population displacement, misinformation and limited access to healthcare are making containment more difficult. They have called for a community-led response, stronger surveillance and faster access to testing and treatment. On Sunday, the Pope also remembered victims of a deadly mine collapse in Zamboyé, western Central African Republic, where more than 100 people were killed when an artisanal gold mine collapsed. Many others were reportedly injured or remained missing, highlighting the dangers faced by workers in largely unregulated mining operations. Leo XIV prayed for the victims and called for greater efforts to improve safety and ensure that mining sites operate within the law.
The Pope’s remarks came as Central Africa faces several overlapping humanitarian pressures, including disease outbreaks, insecurity, displacement and unsafe working conditions. Meanwhile, international health agencies are stepping up efforts against Ebola. WHO said the DRC is receiving 70,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine, although the current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain, for which Ervebo is not specifically approved. The doses will support frontline protection and research into whether the vaccine can provide protection against the strain.
