Pope Leo XIV issued a direct appeal for peace in Sudan on Sunday, calling on authorities to guarantee humanitarian corridors for civilians trapped in the war-torn country’s besieged cities.
Speaking from St. Peter’s Square during his weekly Angelus address, the pontiff singled out El-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan state, where residents are enduring severe shortages of food, water and medical supplies as the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces battle for control.
“I continue to follow with concern the tragic situation in Sudan, especially in the city of El-Obeid,” Leo said. “In expressing my spiritual closeness to all the people of the nation, I renew my appeal to those in authority to guarantee humanitarian corridors for the civilian population.”
The Pope also urged the international community to support efforts aimed at achieving an immediate ceasefire. “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,” he added.
El-Obeid joins El Fasher in North Darfur and Kadugli in South Kordofan as cities under siege in Sudan’s civil war, which erupted in April 2023. Aid agencies have repeatedly warned that millions of people in these cities face catastrophic food insecurity, with cholera outbreaks compounding the humanitarian emergency.
The UN Human Rights Council has condemned escalating violence across Sudan, while a recent report highlighted further markers of genocide by warring parties. The conflict has displaced millions and created what the UN migration agency describes as a crisis approaching Syria-scale proportions.
Leo also addressed the ongoing violence in Ukraine and Russia during the same address, calling on both sides to cease attacks on civilians and respect international humanitarian law.
“It is time to halt the spiral of violence and make way for diplomacy and dialogue to pave the way for peace,” the Pope said.
The appeal comes as U.S.-brokered peace efforts for Sudan continue to encounter obstacles, with neither the army nor the RSF showing willingness to compromise on territorial control in contested regions.
Sources: Africanews, ACI Africa
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