VATICAN CITY, Holy See (AFP) — Pope Leo XIV called on the international community Sunday to help contain the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which health officials warn is spreading exponentially.

“In my prayers I often remember the Democratic Republic of the Congo, especially because of the spread of the Ebola epidemic, which unfortunately is causing many victims,” said the pope following his Angelus prayer in St Peter’s Square.

“I encourage a response from the international community that also involves local communities in efforts to save many human lives,” added the pope, who visited Africa in April.

The deadliest Ebola outbreak in the DRC’s history has already killed thousands of people, hitting regions in the north and east where the presence of the state is weak, health infrastructure is largely lacking, and numerous armed groups have sown decades of violence.

Leo also expressed his closeness to those in the Central African Republic “who mourn the victims of the collapse that occurred in a mine in Zamboye”.

The landslide on Tuesday at a gold mine near the Cameroonian border killed dozens of people, with many still missing and likely buried beneath the rubble.

“May the Lord welcome all those who lost their lives, and support efforts to guarantee the safety and legality of mining sites,” said the pope.

Closer to home, Pope Leo also cited the 10th anniversary on Monday of a major earthquake in central Italy that killed around 300 people and devastated the city of Amatrice.

“I pray for the deceased and for their families, and for all the communities involved,” he said.