Khartoum: Archbishop Séamus Patrick Horgan, Apostolic Nuncio to South Sudan and concurrently responsible for Sudan, has completed a ten-day visit to war-torn Sudan, bringing with him a message of closeness and solidarity from Pope Leo XIV. His mission highlighted both the immense suffering caused by the ongoing civil war and the unyielding faith of the Catholic community struggling to endure amid devastation.
The conflict, ignited in April 2023 by a brutal power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, has escalated into what the United Nations describes as the world’s worst humanitarian disaster. Thousands have been killed, entire villages destroyed, and nearly 12 million people displaced over four million of them forced to seek refuge across neighboring borders.
Archbishop Horgan’s principal aim was to offer encouragement to Sudan’s embattled Catholic faithful. “The Catholic community has been very, very hard pressed from every side,” he said, noting that the simple presence of the Pope’s representative carried profound symbolic weight. “The fact of the nuncio’s arrival and the fact of his bringing a message of solidarity and of closeness from the Pope has, thank God, been very greatly welcomed by the Catholics here.”
Throughout his journey, the nuncio celebrated Mass in Khartoum, Atbara, Omdurman, and Port Sudan. Each liturgy drew large and enthusiastic congregations, where prayers for peace resonated as the central theme. For many, the gatherings became moments of both spiritual renewal and reassurance that they were not forgotten by the global Church.
Beyond the Catholic community, Archbishop Horgan engaged with Sudan’s transitional government officials in Port Sudan, stressing the Holy See’s vision for the country’s future. He emphasized the need to guarantee freedom of religion, cultural rights, and a framework of peace that respects the dignity of all citizens. Officials, he noted, were receptive to the message and appreciated the Pope’s concern for Sudan.
In reflecting on the impact of war, the nuncio observed that the suffering in Sudan transcends religious boundaries. “This war has shown that Christians and Muslims suffer the same fate,” he said. “When there’s a war, everyone suffers together. And to overcome this war, we must work together to rebuild Sudan.”
Archbishop Horgan was accompanied in his travels by Archbishop Michael Didi of Khartoum and met with priests, Comboni Missionaries, and other dedicated missionaries who continue to serve despite insecurity and hardship. He praised their perseverance, calling their presence “a witness of fidelity in very, very trying circumstances.”
Grateful that the mission unfolded safely despite Sudan’s instability, the nuncio concluded his visit with an appeal for broader solidarity. “I ask for your prayers and your actions, for whatever can be done in bringing an end to this cruel civil war in Sudan,” he said, urging the international community not to turn away from a nation deeply scarred yet still yearning for peace.