Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has appealed for renewed efforts to bring peace and development to Africa’s troubled Sahel region, expressing deep concern over the growing violence and humanitarian suffering affecting millions of people.
Speaking during the Regina Coeli address at the Vatican on Sunday, Pope referred to the worsening situation in countries such as Chad and Mali, where recent terrorist attacks have claimed many lives and increased fear among local communities.
“I have learned with concern of the news regarding the increase in violence in the Sahel region, particularly in Chad and in Mali, where recent terrorist attacks have struck,” Pope said.
He assured prayers for all the victims and expressed closeness to families and communities suffering because of violence and insecurity. Pope Leo also called on leaders and the international community to continue working for peace and human development across the region.
“I hope that every form of violence may cease, and I encourage every effort for peace and development in that beloved land,” he said.
Pope’s appeal came a day after he met representatives of the John Paul II Foundation for the Sahel at the Vatican. During that meeting, he encouraged the organization to continue supporting peace building, solidarity, and development projects in one of the world’s most fragile regions.
The Sahel stretches across Africa from the Atlantic coast to the Red Sea and forms a transition zone between the Sahara Desert in the north and greener savanna lands to the south. The region has long struggled with political instability, armed conflicts, poverty, and climate related hardships.
Frequent droughts and shortages of food and water have worsened living conditions for millions of people. At the same time, weak government institutions, corruption, and military coups in several countries have created conditions for extremist groups to expand their influence.
In Mali, local officials reported that more than 30 people were killed in two attacks in the central part of the country earlier this week. The attacks were reportedly carried out by JNIM, an armed extremist group linked to al Qaeda. Security observers and regional journalists monitoring the situation believe the death toll could be even higher, with several people still missing.
The violence is part of a broader crisis affecting several countries in the Sahel, where armed groups continue to attack villages, military positions, and civilian populations. International counterterrorism missions have reduced their presence in recent years, while cooperation between regional governments has weakened, allowing extremist movements to strengthen control in remote areas.
The humanitarian crisis in the Sahel has also forced many people to leave their homes. Large numbers of migrants travel through the region on dangerous routes toward North Africa and Europe in search of safety and better living conditions. Analysts warn that the latest violence could lead to even greater displacement and suffering.
Church leaders and humanitarian organizations continue to call for greater international attention to the crisis, stressing that military action alone cannot solve the region’s problems. They say long term peace will require investment in education, healthcare, food security, and opportunities for young people.
Pope Leo XIV’s message on Sunday was seen as both a spiritual appeal and a call for global solidarity with the people of the Sahel, many of whom continue to face daily uncertainty amid violence, poverty, and climate challenges.