In a heartfelt appeal, Pope Francis has urged global leaders to prioritize peace efforts in Sudan and northern Mozambique, following a recent attack on a Catholic mission. Speaking after the Angelus prayer at St. Peter’s Square, Pope expressed deep concern over the escalating conflicts in both regions.

Referring to Sudan, where a brutal conflict has persisted for the past 10 months, Pope Francis emphasized the urgent need for an end to the violence that has caused immense suffering and displacement. "I once again ask the warring parties to stop this war, which causes so much harm to the people and the future of the country," he stated, calling for prayers for the restoration of peace.

Turning his attention to northern Mozambique, Pope Francis lamented the recent attack on the Catholic mission of Our Lady of Africa in Mazeze, where a chapel and several homes were destroyed by armed assailants. "Let us pray for peace to return to that tormented region," Pope urged, highlighting the devastating impact of violence on vulnerable populations.

Pope's plea comes amidst ongoing efforts by the United Nations and other international partners to address the root causes of conflict and facilitate peace negotiations. Ramtane Lamamra, the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Sudan, has embarked on a diplomatic mission aimed at bolstering multilateral coordination and relaunching a political process to end the fighting.

Despite these initiatives, the situation in both Sudan and northern Mozambique remains dire, with millions of people in need of humanitarian assistance. Pope emphasized the importance of relentless prayer and concrete actions dedicated to peace, emphasizing that "prayer is effective" in bringing about positive change.

As conflicts persist in these regions, Pope's message serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and the urgent need for concerted efforts to promote reconciliation and stability.