North Darfur: The escalating humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan has taken a new, heartbreaking turn with the confirmation of the death of Father Luca Jomo, a revered Catholic parish priest in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state. Fr. Jomo, serving a community under siege since April 2023, was tragically killed in a pre-dawn attack, making him the first Catholic cleric to lose his life amidst the nation's brutal two-year internal conflict. The Diocese of El Obaid has officially confirmed his untimely demise.
The horrific incident unfolded at approximately 3:00 AM on June 13 in El Fasher, where Fr. Jomo and two other young men were fatally shot. Church leadership has since called for fervent prayers for the souls of the deceased, mourning their loss amidst the ongoing turmoil. Local reports indicate that El Fasher has been under relentless encirclement by the Rapid Support Force (RSF), a powerful paramilitary group, for nearly two years. In recent months, the intensity of bombings and military assaults on the city has dramatically escalated, culminating in the tragic killing of the young priest during one such violent surge.
Disturbing accounts from local residents reveal Fr. Jomo's desperate attempts to escape the perilous confines of El Fasher since last January. However, his efforts proved futile, as the city remained hermetically sealed by armed combatants, rendering any escape route impassable. His unwavering commitment to his flock, even in the face of insurmountable danger, underscores the profound courage of those ministering in conflict zones.
News of Fr. Jomo's death reached the Vatican, prompting a deeply sorrowful response from Pope Leo XIV. His Holiness expressed profound grief over the two years of relentless attacks that have ravaged Sudan and the tragic killing of the priest. The Pontiff conveyed his heartfelt closeness and pledged continued prayers for all those striving to quell the violence and safeguard the lives of innocent civilians trapped in the brutal conflict. The loss of Fr. Jomo serves as a poignant reminder of the extreme perils faced by religious figures and humanitarian workers caught in the crossfire of Sudan's protracted crisis.