POPE Leo XIV issued an urgent appeal Sunday for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian access to Sudan, where more than 150,000 people have been killed in a conflict that has devastated the nation and plunged millions into crisis.
Speaking during his weekly Angelus address, the pontiff condemned the “indiscriminate violence against women and children, attacks on unarmed civilians, and serious obstacles to humanitarian action” that are inflicting what he called “unacceptable suffering” on a population already ravaged by months of brutal warfare.
The Pope’s appeal comes as militias reportedly commit grave atrocities in El Fasher, the besieged capital of North Darfur, where civilians face mass violence and humanitarian aid remains largely blocked.
“With great sorrow, I am following the tragic news coming from Sudan, particularly from the city of El Fasher in the afflicted northern Darfur region,” Pope Leo said before thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
The spiritual leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics called on warring parties to halt hostilities immediately and demanded the “prompt opening of humanitarian corridors” to deliver desperately needed aid to trapped civilians.
In a direct challenge to the international community, the Pope urged world powers to “intervene with determination and generosity” to support relief efforts and those risking their lives to provide assistance.
“Let us pray that the Lord may receive the deceased, sustain those who suffer, and touch the hearts of those responsible,” he said.
The pontiff also addressed the deadly violence in Tanzania, where hundreds were killed in three days of protests following Wednesday’s contested presidential election. Opposition candidates were barred from the race before President Samia Suhulu Hassan claimed victory with 98 percent of the vote.
Pope Leo called on all parties to “avoid all forms of violence and to follow the path of dialogue,” as opposition leaders demand an independent investigation into the election and subsequent bloodshed.
