Pope Leo XIV has issued a powerful appeal for peace in Sudan, denouncing the “gruesome violence against civilians” and urging world leaders to act decisively. During his Sunday Angelus address at St. Peter’s Square, the pontiff called for an immediate ceasefire and the opening of humanitarian corridors to deliver aid to millions trapped by the fighting. As reported by The WP Times, citing cruxnow.com.
Sudan is currently facing the largest humanitarian crisis on record. Since April 2023, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) — a paramilitary group descended from the Darfur militias — have been locked in a brutal struggle for power. More than 14 million people have been displaced, famine is spreading, and outbreaks of cholera and other deadly diseases are claiming thousands of lives.
Reports from the United Nations describe atrocities in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, where hospitals and temporary medical shelters have been attacked and wounded civilians executed. Entire communities are cut off from aid.
“With great sorrow, I follow the tragic news from Sudan,” Pope Leo XIV said. “Indiscriminate violence against women and children, and the obstruction of humanitarian access, cause unbearable suffering for a people already exhausted by months of conflict.”
The Pope appealed to the international community to act “decisively and generously” to support humanitarian workers and to push the warring sides toward peace. “Let us pray for the deceased, for the suffering, and for the conversion of those responsible,” he added.
Background: Sudan’s spiralling conflict
The war erupted after a power struggle between General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan of the SAF and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, leader of the RSF. Once allies in a 2021 coup, the two now wage a devastating civil war that has shattered the country’s fragile economy and infrastructure.
According to UN data, nearly 25 million people — over half the population — are in need of urgent assistance. Famine looms, while international agencies warn that Sudan risks becoming a “lost country” if violence continues unchecked.
Pope Leo XIV also extended his prayers to Tanzania, where post-election violence has led to multiple casualties. “I urge everyone to reject all forms of violence and embrace dialogue,” he said.
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(Photo: Vatican Media)
