VATICAN CITY — In his weekly Angelus prayer on Sunday, Pope Leo XIV issued a heartfelt appeal for peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), drawing global attention to the plight of civilians forced to flee escalating violence in the country’s eastern provinces. Speaking to thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the pontiff emphasized the urgent need for compassion and solidarity with those enduring displacement and insecurity.
Renewed Violence in Eastern Congo
Eastern Congo has long been plagued by instability, with dozens of armed groups vying for control of its mineral‑rich territories. Despite peace agreements and international mediation, clashes between government forces and militias continue to devastate communities. The latest surge in violence has displaced thousands, many of whom are fleeing across the border into Burundi.
“Today I would like to recall in particular the great difficulties faced by the population of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, forced to flee their country, especially towards Burundi, because of the violence, facing a serious humanitarian crisis,” Pope Leo told the faithful.
His words underscore the scale of the crisis: families uprooted, livelihoods destroyed, and civilians caught between warring factions. Aid agencies warn that the humanitarian situation is worsening, with limited access to food, shelter, and medical care.
A Call for International Responsibility
By appealing directly to the international community, Pope Leo XIV highlighted the moral responsibility of global actors to intervene constructively. His message resonates with ongoing debates about the role of the United Nations peacekeeping mission (MONUSCO), which has faced criticism for its limited effectiveness in protecting civilians.
Analysts argue that without stronger enforcement of peace agreements and accountability for armed groups, eastern Congo risks sliding further into chaos. The Pope’s intervention adds moral weight to calls for renewed diplomatic engagement and humanitarian support.
Solidarity Beyond Congo
Pope Leo XIV also extended his prayers to victims of flooding in southern Africa, where weeks of torrential rains have left more than 100 people dead across South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe.
“I also wish to send my prayers to the victims of the floods that have hit southern Africa in recent days,” he said.
South Africa has declared the situation a national disaster, as overflowing rivers and collapsed infrastructure have displaced communities and disrupted livelihoods. Mozambique and Zimbabwe are likewise grappling with widespread damage, underscoring the vulnerability of the region to climate extremes.
Linking Violence and Climate Crisis
By addressing both Congo’s violence and southern Africa’s floods in the same message, Pope Leo XIV drew attention to the interconnected nature of humanitarian crises. Conflict and climate change are increasingly overlapping challenges in Africa, forcing millions into displacement and deepening poverty.
In Congo, violence has disrupted farming and trade, compounding food insecurity. In southern Africa, floods have destroyed crops and homes, leaving families dependent on emergency aid. Together, these crises highlight the urgent need for coordinated international responses that address both security and environmental resilience.
Historical Role of the Papacy in African Crises
The Vatican has often played a symbolic role in African conflicts, offering moral appeals for peace and reconciliation. Pope Leo XIV’s predecessor, Pope Francis, visited Congo in 2023, where he condemned exploitation of the country’s resources and called for an end to violence.
Leo XIV’s latest appeal continues this tradition, reminding the world that the suffering of civilians in Africa is not a distant issue but a shared human responsibility. His words carry particular weight at a time when global attention is often diverted to other crises.
Outlook
For the people of eastern Congo, the Pope’s appeal may not immediately change the realities on the ground, but it provides international visibility to their plight. For flood‑affected communities in southern Africa, his prayers offer solidarity at a time of grief and loss.
Ultimately, the message is clear: peace and compassion must guide responses to Africa’s overlapping crises. Whether through stronger humanitarian aid, renewed diplomatic efforts, or climate resilience measures, the international community faces a moral imperative to act.
As Pope Leo XIV concluded his Angelus prayer, his words resonated far beyond St. Peter’s Square — a reminder that in times of violence and disaster, the call for peace and solidarity remains universal.