Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has issued a heartfelt plea to the international community to urgently respond to the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Sudan, where civil war, famine, and natural disasters are wreaking havoc on the lives of millions. Speaking during his weekly General Audience on Wednesday, the Pope painted a grim picture of suffering, especially in Darfur’s El Fasher region, where thousands of civilians remain trapped amid violence and starvation.
“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 said. He appealed for the creation of humanitarian corridors and a coordinated international effort to deliver relief to hundreds of thousands facing acute hunger and displacement.
The Pontiff also turned his thoughts to the victims of a massive mudslide in Sudan’s Marra Mountains, triggered by heavy floods earlier this week. The disaster, which killed more than a thousand people, has deepened the despair of a population already burdened by years of war and deprivation. “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,” he lamented.
Delivering part of his message in Italian, the Pope underscored the urgent need for diplomacy:
“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. 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.”
His prayer for the landslide victims, offered in English, reflected deep solidarity with those who perished and those left behind. “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.”
Invoking the peace of the Lord for the dead and strength for grieving families, Pope Leo XIV concluded with a message of resilience:
“Even in the midst of such tragedies may we never lose hope in God’s love for us.”
With Sudan reeling from both human and natural disasters, the Pope’s appeal highlights not only the urgency of humanitarian intervention but also the moral responsibility of the world to act before the crisis deepens further.