Pope Francis, today, Sunday the 25th, during the weekly Angelus prayer in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, addressed words of solidarity to the victims of MPox. In a heartfelt message, he highlighted that MPox is now a "global health emergency” and called for a global response.

With the resurgence of this disease, especially in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where the impact has been devastating, the Pope, in addition to praying for the victims, urged governments and private industries to “share available treatments so that no one is left without adequate medical care".

"I pray for all those infected, especially the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo who have suffered so much, and I express my closeness to the local churches in the countries most affected by this disease," said the Pope.

The World Health Organization (WHO) had already warned of the gravity of the situation, declaring Mpox a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)”, the organization's highest level of alert.

This highlights the urgency of a concerted response to the outbreak, which is causing suffering in several African countries, including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda.

Pope Francis, sensitive to the pain and anguish of the affected populations, stressed the importance of immediate action to ensure that the most vulnerable nations receive the necessary assistance.

The Pope's Appeal

“Share available technology and treatments so that no one is left without adequate medical care.”

It was the Pope's call for governments and private industry to take on the responsibility that we all must take on.

This appeal goes beyond a simple request for help. It's a call to moral and ethical action, a reflection on the inequalities that manifest themselves so clearly during health crises.

The lack of an adequate response prolongs the crisis and perpetuates inequalities between nations. The inability to provide adequate treatment in a timely manner can have devastating consequences, as already seen in the DRC, where the high mortality rate reflects the severity of the situation.

So far, the international response has been insufficient to address the challenges posed by MPOX. Difficulties in vaccine production and distribution, combined with logistical barriers, continue to hamper efforts to control the disease.

Furthermore, the lack of political will in several countries to prioritize and provide assistance to the most affected nations is a significant obstacle. The Pope's appeal, therefore, should be seen not only as a call for immediate action, but also as a critique of global inaction and indifference.

The Spiritual Dimension of the Crisis

"The greatest illness in life is the lack of love, the inability to love. And the most important cure is affection."

Pope Francis spoke before the Marian prayer of the Angelus at noon on this 13th Sunday of Ordinary Time, looking out the window of his office in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, before the faithful and pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square.

This reflection by Pope Francis emphasizes that, in times of crisis, isolation and marginalization can be as devastating as the disease itself. This message is particularly relevant in a context where many MPOX victims face physical suffering and the stigma of social isolation.

The Woman Who Was Losing Blood

To illustrate his message, Pope Francis told a gospel story about a woman who had been bleeding for years and, according to the mindset of the time, was therefore considered impure. As such, she was marginalized.

The story is emblematic of the suffering faced by many today. Just as this woman was marginalized and isolated because of her condition, many victims of Mpox now live under the weight of social stigma.

For the Pope, healing for these people should not only be physical, but also emotional and spiritual. He emphasized the need for a welcoming and compassionate approach that goes beyond appearances and touches the hearts of those who suffer.

This vision from Francis is a call to the international community to adopt a more holistic approach in responding to Mpox. While medical care is essential, it is not enough on its own. It is crucial to offer psychological and social support to victims, ensuring they are not forgotten or marginalized.

This is a challenge for all of us: how can we ensure that those affected by Mpox receive not only the medical care they need, but also the emotional and spiritual support that is equally vital to their recovery.

The Mpox Crisis in Africa

This clade is responsible for the increase in cases in the DRC, where the disease has already killed more than 570 people this year. In addition to the DRC, neighboring countries such as Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda are also facing a worrying increase in cases.

The public health crisis in Africa is exacerbated by several factors, including fragile health systems, scarcity of medical resources, and the prevalence of other diseases that are already straining existing health infrastructure. Although the WHO has declared the situation a public health emergency of international concern, the global response still faces significant challenges.

The production and distribution of vaccines and treatments, for example, are critical areas that require urgent attention. The WHO suggests a targeted vaccination strategy, where only at-risk individuals, such as those who have had close contact with infected people, should be considered for immunization.

The rapid spread of Mpox outside of endemic regions, with the first European case of the new “clade 1b” variant recorded in Sweden on August 15, is a clear indication that the disease does not respect borders.

Conclusion

However, the response has been insufficient, with significant barriers to the production and distribution of vaccines and treatments, hampering efforts to contain the disease. Pope Francis' words, delivered today during the Angelus, are an urgent call for action and solidarity.

Sharing resources and addressing the needs of the most vulnerable are essential for an effective and fair response. Its emphasis on healing and combating marginalization should serve as a reminder that health is more than just the absence of disease; it is also about emotional and social well-being.

The MPOX crisis demands a coordinated response based on social justice and compassion. International cooperation, guided by these principles, is crucial to ensuring that all victims receive the necessary care.

The true measure of success in the fight against Mpox will not only be the containment of the disease, but also the world's ability to respond with humanity and solidarity to this latest health crisis.

What do you think of this plea from Pope Francis, in the face of this global health crisis? We want to know your opinion, do not hesitate to comment and if you liked the article, share and give a “like/like”.

See also:

WHO: Mpox Outbreak Is an International Emergency

Monkeypox: Africa on Alert

South Africa Records 3rd Smallpox Death

Uganda Teams Up With Botswana to Manufacture Vaccines

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