Pope Leo expressed deep concern over the severe humanitarian crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, marked by ongoing violence and mass displacement. The conflict in the DRC has forced countless families to flee their homes, with many seeking refuge in neighboring Burundi. The Pope called for dialogue among conflicting parties to achieve reconciliation and peace in the region. Suffering in the DRC is exacerbated by extreme weather, including a recent deadly landslide that killed at least 18 people. Pope Leo also offered solidarity to communities in southern Africa, including South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, devastated by recent torrential rains and flooding that caused over one hundred fatalities.
about 2 months ago
Pope Leo XIV, during his January 18, 2026 Angelus address from St. Peter's Square, urged prayers for peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), highlighting the suffering in the east where violence has displaced over 100,000 people to Burundi since December 2025.1 2 3
He called for dialogue and reconciliation amid the humanitarian crisis facing refugees.1 4
The Pope also expressed solidarity with flood victims in southern Africa, assuring them of his prayers.1 2
Eastern DRC has endured over three decades of conflict involving more than 120 armed groups vying for control of vast mineral reserves worth $24 trillion.1
The M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwanda, have intensified offensives, forcing mass flight to Burundi where over 200,000 refugees face severe shortages of food, water, and medical care, with rising cholera risks.1 2
A recent landslide from heavy rains killed at least 18 people, compounding the crisis.2
Pope Francis visited DRC in 2023, decrying exploitation and calling for renewal.1
Torrential rains have caused over 100 deaths in Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, destroying homes and infrastructure.1 2
Emergency evacuations continue as authorities warn of worsening weather.1
Pope Leo emphasized Church solidarity with the dead, displaced, and rescue workers.2
Marking the opening of the 2026 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (January 18-25), Pope Leo invited Catholics to pray for full Christian unity.3 4
The theme, from Ephesians 4:4—"one body and one Spirit"—was prepared by an ecumenical group led by the Armenian Apostolic Church.3
He linked unity to commitments for global peace and justice.1
In his pre-Angelus meditation on John 1:29-34, Pope Leo praised St. John the Baptist's humility in pointing to Christ as the "Lamb of God."3 4
He critiqued a "culture of appearances" driven by approval and visibility, which fosters division and fragile lives.3 4
True joy lies in God's compassionate love, urging daily prayer and simplicity over illusions of success.3 4
Pope calls for peace, unity, and humanitarian aid in conflict zones
Pope Leo XIV has consistently invoked peace, unity through truthful information, and support for those affected by conflicts, framing these calls within the Church's mission to entrust human suffering to divine Providence amid global wars. His recent addresses highlight the painful reality of ongoing violence while urging ethical responsibility in media and active citizenship to foster humanitarian awareness.
Pope Leo XIV directly acknowledges the "scenarios of war that continue to convulse the planet," positioning them alongside joyful events like the Jubilee pilgrimage as markers of the past year. This recognition culminates in an invitation for the faithful to "place everything before the Lord, entrusting ourselves to his Providence," a spiritual response that underscores unity in prayer and mercy as antidotes to division. In a parallel vein, his address to the MINDS International Association emphasizes specific hotspots like Gaza and Ukraine, where "land[s] bloodied by bombs" demand attention. Here, the Pope laments journalists who "put their lives at risk to inform people about what is really happening," portraying them as victims of "war and of the ideology of war." This not only calls for peace but implicitly advocates humanitarian aid by honoring these "extraordinary eyewitness accounts" that expose suffering and prevent manipulation of truth.
Central to the Pope's message is the notion that "information is a public good that we should all protect," essential for unity in divided times. He critiques the crisis in media where consumers "mistaking the false for the true," urging a "partnership between citizens and journalists in the service of ethical and civic responsibility." This partnership combats "unfair competition" and "clickbait," promoting "accurate and balanced information" as a pillar of society. By reiterating his post-election appeal for the release of imprisoned journalists—"Doing the work of a journalist can never be considered a crime, but it is a right that must be protected"—Leo XIV links press freedom to peacebuilding, ensuring the world knows the human cost of conflicts. Such advocacy fosters unity by countering ideologies that silence truth, aligning with the Church's tradition of defending human dignity in war.
At year's end, amid Christmas and the Jubilee's close, the Pope calls for renewal through "the wonders of his grace and mercy," offering a hopeful refuge for a restless world scarred by violence. This echoes his broader Jubilee catechesis on "Jesus Christ our hope," particularly how Christ's Resurrection addresses "the challenges of the contemporary world," including unrest. Humanitarian aid emerges not as mere logistics but as an extension of Providence: supporting reporters who reveal atrocities enables global solidarity, much like the Church's historical role in aiding war-torn regions. The Pope's words challenge the faithful to value "professionals and agencies that demonstrate seriousness and true freedom," creating a "virtuous circle" for societal healing.
These papal interventions reveal a holistic approach: peace requires spiritual entrustment, truthful reporting to expose injustice, and collective action for the vulnerable. While not prescribing specific aid programs, Leo XIV's emphasis on journalists as frontline witnesses implicitly supports humanitarian corridors of information that can mobilize relief. In an era of "widespread and violent conflicts," this unites the Church in prayer and advocacy, renewing mercy as wars persist.
In summary, Pope Leo XIV's calls for peace, unity, and humanitarian awareness in conflict zones are rooted in recognizing war's toll, defending media freedom, and invoking Providence—urging all to protect truth as a path to mercy and hope.