Pope urges immediate ceasefire as civilians in El-Obeid face shortages of food, water and medical supplies
Pope Leo XIV has called for humanitarian corridors to be opened in Sudan as fighting between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces continues to put civilians at risk.
Speaking to crowds gathered in St Peter’s Square at the Vatican on Sunday, Leo highlighted the worsening situation in El-Obeid, the besieged capital of North Kordofan state.
The city has been affected by shortages of essential supplies as the two sides battle for control.
Appeal for humanitarian access
The Pope said he was closely following the situation and expressed his spiritual support for people affected by the conflict.
He urged those in authority to guarantee safe humanitarian corridors that would allow civilians to receive essential assistance.
Leo also called on the international community to support efforts aimed at securing an immediate ceasefire.
His appeal comes as Sudan continues to face a devastating conflict that has displaced millions of people and created severe humanitarian needs across the country.
Civilians caught in fighting
The conflict between Sudan’s army and the RSF has caused widespread disruption and left civilians facing shortages of food, water and medical care.
El-Obeid has become a particular focus of concern because of the fighting and restrictions affecting access to the city.
Humanitarian corridors could provide a way for civilians to access essential supplies and allow aid organisations to deliver assistance to people in need.
Call for international action
Pope Leo urged the international community to increase its efforts to help bring the fighting to an end.
He appealed for prayers for those suffering and called for a change in the attitudes of those responsible for violence.
The Pope’s intervention adds to growing international calls for an end to the conflict and greater protection for civilians caught in the fighting.
Concern over Ukraine war
During his address, Leo also spoke about the continuing war between Russia and Ukraine.
He appealed to both sides to respect international humanitarian law and stop attacks targeting civilians.
The Pope called for an end to the escalating violence and urged the parties to turn towards diplomacy and dialogue.
His comments placed the conflicts in Sudan and Ukraine among the latest international crises prompting appeals from the Vatican for greater protection of civilians and renewed efforts towards peace.
Pope urges path to peace
Leo said diplomacy and dialogue should replace continued violence, stressing the need for peaceful solutions to ongoing conflicts.
His appeal for Sudan comes as civilians in El-Obeid face worsening humanitarian conditions, while his comments on Ukraine underline the Vatican’s continued calls for the protection of non-combatants.
The Pope urged the international community and those involved in the conflicts to work towards peace and help end the suffering of civilians.
