Catholic Pope Leo XIV has issued a heartfelt appeal to the international community, urging immediate humanitarian assistance and renewed peace efforts for the people of Sudan, who continue to suffer under the devastating impact of civil war, famine, and disease. Speaking to thousands of faithful during his weekly audience in St Peter’s Square, the pontiff expressed deep grief over the worsening situation in Sudan’s Darfur region, where violence and natural disasters have combined to create one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world today.
The Pope’s appeal comes just days after a massive landslide in the Marra Mountains of Darfur, which has left more than 1,000 people dead and hundreds more missing. Describing the tragedy as one of the deadliest natural disasters in Sudan’s recent history, Pope Leo XIV offered prayers for the victims and solidarity with families who have lost loved ones. “I am closer than ever to the Sudanese people, especially families, children, and displaced persons. I pray for all the victims,” he said with visible emotion.
At the same time, the pontiff turned attention to the ongoing conflict that has engulfed Sudan since April 2023, a war between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that has devastated Darfur and spread instability across the country. “Dramatic news is coming out of Sudan, particularly Darfur, in el-Fasher, where numerous civilians are trapped in the city, victims of famine and violence,” the Pope said. He warned that alongside the violence and hunger, the spread of cholera now threatens hundreds of thousands of already exhausted and displaced people.
Humanitarian organisations have repeatedly described Sudan as facing one of the world’s largest humanitarian emergencies. More than 12 million people have been displaced from their homes, and at least 150,000 lives are estimated to have been lost since the conflict began. Entire towns and villages in Darfur have been reduced to rubble, with reports of atrocities amounting to ethnic cleansing and genocide. Yet international aid agencies face immense challenges in reaching those most in need, as many regions remain completely inaccessible due to ongoing fighting and blockades.
Pope Leo XIV lamented these dire conditions, calling on governments, humanitarian groups, and the global community to respond urgently with aid and solidarity. “As if that were not enough, the spread of cholera threatens hundreds of thousands of people who are already exhausted,” he said, stressing the immediate need for food, medicine, clean water, and shelter. He also urged diplomatic efforts, saying: “It is time to initiate a serious, sincere and inclusive dialogue between the parties to end the conflict and restore hope, dignity, and peace to the people of Sudan.”
The Pope’s call echoes warnings from the United Nations and human rights organisations, which say Sudan’s crisis is escalating beyond control. The UN has described the situation in Darfur as catastrophic, with famine conditions looming, millions on the brink of starvation, and basic healthcare systems collapsing. Despite these warnings, aid funding remains critically low, forcing many organisations to scale back operations at a time when needs are at their greatest.
By placing the crisis at the center of his global message, Pope Leo XIV hopes to awaken international conscience and galvanize immediate action. His words highlight not only the humanitarian urgency but also the moral responsibility of the global community to support a nation enduring unspeakable suffering. For the people of Sudan, his voice offers both compassion and a reminder that their plight must not be forgotten.
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