Pope Leo XIV has called for humanitarian corridors to protect civilians trapped in Sudan’s escalating conflict and urged authorities to ease their suffering.
Leo said he was deeply concerned about the situation, particularly in El-Obeid, the largest city in Sudan’s southern Kordofan region.
The city has come under intense drone attacks in recent weeks, prompting the United Nations to issue a “red alert” over a looming humanitarian catastrophe.
“I renew my appeal to those in authority to guarantee humanitarian corridors for the civilian population,” Leo said after the Angelus prayer.
He also urged the international community to step up efforts to secure an immediate ceasefire and end the violence.
The pope prayed for those suffering and called on those responsible for the violence to change their hearts and allow peace to prevail.
Sudan has been gripped by war since April 2023, when fighting broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces.
The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions, creating what the UN describes as the world’s largest displacement and hunger crises.
As the fighting continues to deepen the humanitarian crisis, calls for safe passage and urgent international action are growing.
