Pope Leo XIV has called for an international response to a deadly Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, urging the global community to work closely with local communities to prevent further loss of life.

Speaking during the Angelus prayer on Sunday before crowds gathered in St Peter's Square, the pope said he was particularly concerned about people affected by the outbreak. He urged the international community to support preventive efforts involving local communities, saying such cooperation is necessary to save lives.

The pope also expressed solidarity with communities in the Central African Republic following a mine collapse in Zamboye, where more than 100 people have reportedly died after an artisanal gold mine collapsed.

His remarks come as communities across central Africa face a series of humanitarian challenges, including infectious disease outbreaks and dangerous mining conditions.

Pope Leo also remembered communities in central Italy ahead of Monday's 10th anniversary of the 6.0-magnitude earthquake that struck parts of Lazio, Umbria and Marche in 2016, killing about 300 people. The pope said he is praying for those affected as they marked a decade since the devastating earthquake.

— AFRICANEWS.COM