Pope Leo XIV has appealed for peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, where renewed fighting has forced large numbers of civilians to flee their homes, worsening an already severe humanitarian crisis.
Speaking during his weekly Angelus address in St Peter’s Square, the pope said he was following developments in eastern Congo “with concern”, highlighting the suffering of people displaced by violence and insecurity. He called for dialogue and reconciliation between the parties involved in the conflict and urged the international community not to ignore the plight of civilians.
The eastern regions of the DRC, particularly North Kivu and Ituri provinces, have been affected by armed conflict for decades. Violence has intensified in recent months, with clashes between government forces and multiple armed groups, including the M23 rebel movement. The fighting has led to the capture of towns and villages, prompting civilians to flee in large numbers.
According to humanitarian agencies, tens of thousands of people have been displaced since the latest escalation, with many crossing borders into neighbouring countries such as Burundi, while others have sought refuge in overcrowded camps within Congo. Aid organisations say access to food, clean water and healthcare remains limited, and insecurity has hampered efforts to deliver assistance.
In his remarks, Pope Leo focused on the humanitarian impact of the conflict rather than its political or military dimensions. He referred to families forced to abandon their homes and livelihoods, and warned of the risks faced by displaced people, including hunger, disease and exposure to violence. He called for prayer and concrete efforts to support peace initiatives.
The Vatican has long expressed concern about the situation in eastern Congo, where conflict is often linked to competition over land, ethnic tensions and control of valuable natural resources such as gold and coltan. Despite repeated peace agreements and regional diplomatic efforts, armed groups continue to operate, and civilians remain caught in the middle.
Church leaders in Congo have echoed the pope’s call. Senior Catholic figures have urged political leaders in the region to prioritise dialogue and inclusive negotiations, warning that continued fighting will further destabilise the country and neighbouring states. They have also called on the international community to increase humanitarian assistance and support peacebuilding efforts.
The latest violence has added to one of the world’s largest displacement crises. Millions of people are already internally displaced across the DRC, many of them in the east. Humanitarian groups report that displacement camps are overstretched, with limited shelter and sanitation, raising concerns about outbreaks of disease, including cholera and measles.
The Congolese government has accused armed groups of targeting civilians and undermining state authority, while rebel groups have accused the government of failing to address longstanding grievances. Regional tensions have also increased, with Congo alleging foreign backing for some rebel factions, claims that have been denied.
Pope Leo’s appeal came as he also expressed solidarity with people affected by other crises around the world, underlining what he described as the interconnected nature of global suffering. His comments formed part of a broader message focused on peace, unity and humanitarian responsibility.
While the pope’s intervention is symbolic, it reflects growing concern among religious and humanitarian leaders that the situation in eastern Congo is deteriorating. Aid agencies have warned that without improved security and sustained diplomatic engagement, displacement and civilian suffering are likely to increase.
For people fleeing violence in eastern Congo, the immediate priority remains safety and access to basic needs. As fighting continues, calls for peace and dialogue are being renewed, amid fears that the conflict could further destabilise the region if no political solution is found.