Pope Makes Impassioned Appeal for Those Suffering From Ebola

At Weekly Audience, Urges International Community to Act to Eradicate Virus

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Pope Francis has made an impassioned appeal for those being tormented by the deadly Ebola virus.

Speaking to faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square toward the conclusion of his weekly General Audience today, the Holy Father expressed his closeness to those suffering and called on the international community to put in place every necessary effort to eradicate the virus.

“Facing the worsening of the epidemic of Ebola,” the Holy Father said, “I wish to express my deep concern about this relentless disease that is spreading, especially on the African continent, especially among disadvantaged groups.”

The Argentine Pontiff expressed his affection and prayers for those affected, as well as doctors, nurses, volunteers, religious institutions and associations, who, he noted, are “working heroically to help our brothers and sisters who are sick.”

“I renew my appeal,” he continued, “that the international community will make all necessary efforts to eradicate this virus, to effectively alleviate the hardships and sufferings.”

Concluding, Pope Francis invited those gathered in the Square to pray for those suffering and for those who have lost their lives.

The outbreak of the virus in West Africa is the deadliest to date. The WHO has declared an international health emergency as it has claimed more than 3,800 lives in Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria this year.

Added to this, it is appearing in other continents, including North America, with cases in New York and Texas. It is not expected to spread beyond isolated cases in well-developed nations. However, countries with poor health care infrastructure are being overcome by the epidemic.

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Deborah Castellano Lubov

Deborah Castellano Lubov is Senior Vatican & Rome Correspondent for ZENIT; author of 'The Other Francis' ('L'Altro Francesco') featuring interviews with those closest to the Pope and preface by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Parolin (currently published in 5 languages); Deborah is also NBC & MSNBC Vatican Analyst. She often covers the Pope's travels abroad, often from the Papal Flight (including for historic trips such as to Abu Dhabi and Japan & Thailand), and has also asked him questions on the return-flight press conference on behalf of the English-speaking press present. Lubov has done much TV & radio commentary, including for NBC, Sky, EWTN, BBC, Vatican Radio, AP, Reuters and more. She also has contributed to various books on the Pope and has written for various Catholic publications. For 'The Other Francis': http://www.gracewing.co.uk/page219.html or https://www.amazon.com/Other-Francis-Everything-They-about/dp/0852449348/

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