Pope Calls for End to Violence in Eastern Congo Pope Francis has called for an immediate end to the ongoing violence in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In a statement released on Wednesday, the Pope expressed his “deep concern” over the escalating violence and humanitarian crisis in the area. He condemned the “senseless brutality” that has claimed numerous lives and displaced thousands of people. The Pope called on the international community to “urgently intervene” to stop the bloodshed and protect civilians. He appealed to political and religious leaders in the DRC to work together for peace and reconciliation. “The violence must end now,” the Pope said. “The people of eastern Congo have suffered enough. It is time for peace and healing.” The conflict in eastern Congo has been ongoing for decades, with armed groups vying for control of the region’s mineral resources. The violence has resulted in widespread human rights abuses, including rape, torture, and forced displacement. The United Nations estimated that over 5.5 million people have been displaced within the DRC due to the violence. The conflict has also created a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions of people lacking access to basic necessities such as food, water, and shelter. The Pope’s call for peace comes amid a renewed push by the DRC government to end the violence in eastern Congo. The government has launched a military offensive against armed groups in the region, but the fighting has continued. The Pope’s statement was welcomed by humanitarian organizations working in eastern Congo. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said the Pope’s call “reinforces the need for all parties to the conflict to prioritize the protection of civilians.” “The Pope’s message is a reminder that the people of eastern Congo are not alone, and that their suffering matters,” said Alexis Ravaux, UNHCR’s spokesperson in the DRC.Pope Francis Calls for End to Violence in North KivuPope Francis Calls for End to Violence in North Kivu During his weekly address at St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, Pope Francis condemned the ongoing violence and civilian deaths in North Kivu, a conflict-ridden province in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Pope’s call came after seven people were killed on Friday and Saturday during protests against a surge in deadly attacks by suspected Islamist rebels. Addressing the crowd gathered in the square, Francis said, “Painful news continues to arrive about attacks and massacres perpetrated in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.” He urged “national authorities and the international community to do everything possible to stop the violence and safeguard the lives of civilians.” Francis expressed concern for the many Christians killed in the conflict, referring to them as “martyrs.” The Pope also reiterated his calls for peace in Ukraine, Israel, the Palestinian territories, Sudan, Myanmar, and other areas affected by war. He said, “I call for an end to the bloodshed and for people to be given the opportunity to live in peace and dignity.”Pope Francis has called for an end to the violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where decades of conflict and instability have left millions displaced and in need of humanitarian assistance. “I appeal for an end to all forms of violence, exploitation and hatred that afflict this region,” the Pope said in a statement released by the Vatican on Sunday. The Pope’s appeal comes amid reports of renewed fighting in the region, which has been plagued by armed conflict for decades. Millions of people have been displaced from their homes, and hundreds of thousands have been killed. The Pope called on the international community to do more to help the people of eastern Congo, and urged the Congolese government to work towards a lasting peace. “I urge the international community to redouble its efforts to help the people of this region, who have suffered so much,” the Pope said. “I also urge the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo to continue its efforts to establish a just and lasting peace.” The Pope’s appeal comes as the United Nations is preparing to send a peacekeeping force to the region. The force is expected to be deployed in the coming months, and will be tasked with protecting civilians and helping to stabilize the region.