Pope Leo XIV issued forceful appeal for peace in Sudan on Sunday, calling on belligerents to protect civilians and urging the international community to action favoring an immediate cessation of hostilities and lasting peace in the war-torn land.
Speaking in English, the pontiff said he continues “to follow with concern the tragic situation in Sudan, especially in the city of el-Obeid,” where a months-long siege has intensified in recent weeks.
The pope made his appeal in remarks to pilgrims and tourists following the traditional Angelus prayer on Sunday in St. Peter’s Square.
Pope’s appeal for Sudan
“In expressing my spiritual closeness to all the people of the nation,” Leo said, “I renew my appeal to those in authority to guarantee humanitarian corridors for the civilian population.”
“At the same time,” the pontiff said, “I urge the international community to support efforts aimed at bringing about an immediate cease-fire.”
The conflict in Sudan is a direct cause of a humanitarian crisis international observers and aid workers consider the worst on the planet, with more than 14 million people driven from their homes and threatened daily with death by disease, starvation, exposure, or violence.
“Let us pray that the Lord may sustain those who are suffering, convert the hearts of those who sow violence, and grant the long-awaited peace,” Leo said.
The besieged city of El-Obeid is the capital of Sudan’s south-central North Kordofan state, which is located along a strategically crucial corridor south of Khartoum, the national capital.
RSF forces first encircled the El-Obeid in the early days of the conflict, and the city has been under siege continuously ever since, with government forces achieving only partial and temporary breaks. Inhabitants have been under drone and artillery attacks, reportedly almost without interruption, for the past 18 months.
Throughout North Kordofan, the fighting has seen the use of drones on both sides.
In the besieged capital, civilians and aid workers have reported drone attacks on homes, in marketplaces, and religious ceremonies.
Sudan: At war with itself
The increasingly brutal civil war between Sudanese regular army forces on one side and paramilitary forces on the other, entered its fourth year this past spring.
Sudan has been a country at war with itself almost constantly since its post-colonial independence.
The latest outbreak came in 2023 when the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led by Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), commanded by Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (“Hemedti”) failed to agree on a power-sharing structure.
The two men had come together to overthrow Sudanese dictator Omar el Bashir but turned against one another soon after Bashir’s ouster, and a war for control of the state and its resources ensued.
Pope’s appeal for Ukraine
Also on Sunday, Pope Leo XIV appealed for peace in Ukraine, noting “painful reports” of innocent people killed and injured in both Ukraine and Russia.
RELATED: Pope appeals for peace in Ukraine as reports of civilian casualties multiply on both sides
“Tragic incidents continue,” Leo said, “indeed, they are multiplying, resulting in ever-increasing civilian casualties, including children.”
The pontiff said he stands “with the families of the victims, the injured, and all those suffering as a result of the ongoing conflict.”
“In the face of such pain,” Leo said, “I renew my heartfelt appeal for respect for humanitarian law and for both sides to cease attacks on civilian targets.”
“War only begets more war and causes enormous suffering,” the pontiff said.
“It is time to halt the spiral of violence,” the pope said, “and make room for diplomacy and dialogue to pave the way for peace.”
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