Speaking at his weekly General Audience, the pontiff requested urgent humanitarian aid to address the escalating crisis in war-torn Sudan, particularly in the Darfur region.
Newsroom (03/09/2025, Gaudium Press )Pope Leo XIV issued an impassioned plea to the international community on Wednesday, calling for urgent humanitarian aid to address the escalating crisis in war-torn Sudan, particularly in the Darfur region, where civilians face famine, violence, and a devastating cholera outbreak. Speaking at his weekly General Audience, the pontiff also requested prayers for victims of a catastrophic mudslide in Sudan’s Marra Mountains that claimed over 1,000 lives this week.
“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,” Pope Leo XIV said, highlighting the dire situation in the North Darfur capital, which remains under siege. He urged global leaders to establish humanitarian corridors and coordinate a robust response to avert further catastrophe.
The Pope’s appeal extended to a natural disaster in eastern Sudan, where torrential floods triggered a deadly mudslide in the Marra Mountains. Speaking in English, he said, “In Tarasin, a devastating landslide has caused many deaths, leaving behind pain and despair. And, as if that were not enough, the spread of cholera threatens hundreds of thousands of people who are already exhausted.”
Addressing the 29-month civil war that has ravaged Sudan since April 2023, Pope Leo XIV called for diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, which has killed an estimated 150,000 people and displaced 12 million, creating one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. “I make a heartfelt appeal to those responsible and to the international community to ensure humanitarian corridors and implement a coordinated response to stop this humanitarian catastrophe,” he said in Italian. “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 conflict, sparked by a power struggle between the Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces following the ousting of longtime dictator Omar al-Bashir, has led to widespread destruction of homes, hospitals, and schools. Humanitarian organizations report that 30 million people—nearly two-thirds of Sudan’s population—require assistance, with 680,000 facing catastrophic food insecurity. Allegations of war crimes, including rape, torture, and civilian killings, have been leveled against both sides, with international law reportedly disregarded.
In El Fasher, a deadly cholera epidemic compounds the suffering, while cities like Kadugli and El Obeid remain under siege, rendering aid delivery nearly impossible, according to UN agencies.
Expressing solidarity with Sudan’s suffering, Pope Leo XIV said, “I am closer than ever to the Sudanese people, especially families, children, and displaced persons. I pray for all the victims. I ask all of you to join me in praying for those affected by the recent mudslides in the Marra Mountains of Sudan.” He concluded by invoking divine solace for the bereaved and resilience for survivors, adding, “Even in the midst of such tragedies, may we never lose hope in God’s love for us.”
The Pope’s call to action underscores the urgent need for global intervention to alleviate Sudan’s compounding crises, as millions face the dual threats of war and natural disaster.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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