Pope Leo XIV Urges Global Action Against Ebola in DR Congo

Pope Leo XIV called on the international community on August 23, 2026, to assist the Democratic Republic of Congo in containing a spreading Ebola epidemic.

The current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain, adding to a history of violence and weak health infrastructure that has already claimed thousands of lives in the region.

The Pope also addressed a fatal gold mine collapse in Zamboye, Central African Republic, that occurred on August 18, and marked the 10th anniversary of a major earthquake in central Italy.