At the end of the recitation of the Angelus this Sunday, Pope Leo XIV launched a call for prayer and solidarity towards the populations in distress in Africa. He particularly mentioned the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where armed violence has forced millions of people to flee to neighboring countries, notably Burundi.
"I would like to recall in particular the great difficulties of the inhabitants of eastern Congo, forced to leave their country due to violence and facing a serious humanitarian crisis", declared the Holy Father from the window of his studio overlooking in Saint Peter's Square.
The humanitarian situation in this region is alarming: families live in refugee camps where access to food, drinking water and medical care is extremely limited. The risks of diseases, including cholera, are increasing as extreme weather conditions, such as the recent landslide that killed at least 18 people, further worsen the suffering of populations.
The Pope also expressed solidarity with the victims of the torrential rains and floods that have hit southern Africa in recent weeks. South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe were particularly hard hit, with more than a hundred dead and entire communities submerged.
"I pray for all those affected: the dead, the displaced and those participating in relief efforts", added the Sovereign Pontiff, calling for dialogue and reconciliation in conflict regions.
Pope Leo XIV is expected to visit Africa soon, with a planned visit to Angola. He also expressed his wish to visit Algeria, which would make this trip his first pastoral visit to the African continent.
