Global Solidarity Urged Over Congo Ebola Surge

Pope Leo XIV urged the international community to mount a coordinated response to the escalating Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has become the deadliest in the country’s history with thousands of infections and more than 2,500 deaths. Speaking at St. Peter’s Square during the Angelus, he emphasized the need to involve local communities in prevention efforts to save lives. Reports note the outbreak’s reach across vast areas amid weak health infrastructure and ongoing violence by armed groups that complicates containment. Some sources highlight the Bundibugyo strain and suggest that the true number of cases may exceed official tallies, with tens of thousands of people at risk as the historic comparison to the 2014-2016 outbreak is referenced. The pope also drew attention to other regional tragedies, including a mining disaster in the Central African Republic and the 10th anniversary of a devastating Italian earthquake, calling for solidarity and action on multiple humanitarian fronts. Overall, the appeal centers on global leadership and strengthened local engagement to address what is described as Congo’s 17th and most severe Ebola outbreak.