Pope Leo XIV voices concern over renewed fighting in eastern Congo, urges dialogue Pope Leo XIV on Sunday voiced deep concern over renewed fighting in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, urging an immediate end to violence and a return to dialogue in line with ongoing peace efforts. After leading pilgrims gathered in St. Peter\u2019s Square in praying the Angelus on the Third Sunday of Advent, the pope said he was \u201cfollowing with deep concern the resumption of fighting in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo.\u201d \u201cWhile expressing my closeness to the people, I urge the parties in the conflict to cease all forms of violence and to seek constructive dialogue, respecting the ongoing peace process,\u201d he said. The pope\u2019s appeal came amid reports of intensified clashes involving the M23 rebel group in the mineral-rich eastern region, despite a recently signed peace agreement between Congolese and Rwandan leaders. Pope Leo also recalled recent beatifications of martyrs in Spain and France, praising their fidelity to the faith amid persecution. \u201cLet us praise the Lord for these martyrs, courageous witnesses to the Gospel, persecuted and killed for remaining close to their people and faithful to the Church,\u201d he said. Earlier, in his catechesis before leading the Angelus, Pope Leo reflected on the Gospel reading for the Third Sunday of Advent, which presents John the Baptist imprisoned for his preaching yet still seeking the truth about Jesus. From prison, John hears \u201cabout the works of Christ\u201d and sends his disciples to ask whether Jesus is truly the one who is to come, the pope noted. Jesus\u2019 response, he said, points not to abstract claims but to concrete signs. \u201cChrist announces who he is by what he does. And what he does is a sign of salvation for all of us,\u201d Pope Leo said. Encountering Jesus, he explained, restores meaning to lives marked by darkness and suffering: \u201cThe blind see, the mute speak, the deaf hear\u2026 Even the dead, who are completely lifeless, come back to life. This is the Gospel of Jesus, the good news proclaimed to the poor.\u201d \u201cThe words of Jesus free us from the prison of despair and suffering,\u201d the pope said, adding that Christ \u201cgives voice to the oppressed and to those whose voices have been silenced by violence and hatred\u201d and \u201cdefeats ideologies that make us deaf to the truth.\u201d Concluding his reflection, Pope Leo said that Advent calls Christians to unite their expectation of the Savior with attentiveness to God\u2019s action in the world. \u201cThen we will be able to experience the joy of freedom in encountering our Savior,\u201d he said, echoing the Church\u2019s celebration of Gaudete Sunday. This story was first published in two parts by ACI Prensa, CNA\u2019s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA. Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today EWTN Vatican on WhatsApp Victoria Cardiel Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter. More news related to this article Ancient 40-hour \u2018Quarantore\u2019 devotion continues to bless Rome Synod delegates urge young Catholics to learn how to listen to others in a polarized world Pope Francis to do private Lenten retreat in 2023 Gotland Island: Exploring Nordic Christian Roots Vatican secretary of state says Ukraine\u2019s military advances into Russia are \u2018worrying\u2019 Ecumenical Expert: \u2018No Theological Reasons To Celebrate Easter On Different Dates\u2019<\/p>\n