Pope Leo XIV appeals for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian corridors in Sudan, calling for international action and prayer for the victims. Speaking during the Angelus address he also calls for peace and dialogue in Tanzania following post-election clashes that have caused hundreds of deaths.
By Vatican News
Pope Leo XIV on Sunday appealed for a ceasefire, the intervention of the international community and the opening of humanitarian corridors and aid delivery in war-ravaged Sudan.
“With great sorrow, I am following the tragic news coming from Sudan, particularly from the city of El Fasher in the afflicted northern Darfur region,” Pope Leo said during the Angelus address.
He decried the “Indiscriminate violence against women and children, attacks on unarmed civilians, and serious obstacles to humanitarian action,” that he said, “are causing unacceptable suffering to a population already exhausted by long months of conflict.”
Pope Leo’s words of concern over the ongoing violence in Sudan, and his particular reference to the onslaught in the city of El Fasher in North Darfur, come in the wake of a siege of the city where militias are reportedly committing grave atrocities against the civilian population.
Appeals
He invited the faithful to pray for victims and urged responsible parties to halt hostilities.
“Let us pray that the Lord may receive the deceased, sustain those who suffer, and touch the hearts of those responsible,” he said, and renewed “an urgent appeal to the parties involved for a ceasefire and the prompt opening of humanitarian corridors.”
He also called on the international community “to intervene with determination and generosity, to offer assistance and support those who devote themselves to providing aid.”
Opposition supporters rally in protest (AFP or licensors)
Unrest in Tanzania
Turning his attention to the East African nation of Tanzania, Pope Leo referred to recent political developments in the country following elections.
“Let us also pray for Tanzania, where, after the recent political elections, clashes have broken out with numerous victims,” he said.
He invited all involved to “avoid all forms of violence and to follow the path of dialogue.”
A presidential election in Tanzania on Wednesday triggered three days of violent protests after the main rival candidates were excluded from the race and President Samia Suhulu Hassan was declared the winner with 98 percent of the vote.
Hundreds of people were reportedly killed during the protests following the election. The opposition has called for an independent investigation.
Mass for the deceased
Finally, the Pope announced that he will celebrate Mass on Sunday afternoon at Rome’s Verano cemetery in memory of the deceased.
“Spiritually, I will go to the graves of my loved ones, and I will also pray for the dead whom no one remembers,” he said, affirming that “our heavenly Father knows and loves us one by one and forgets no one.”
The Pope concluded, encouraging those present to remember “our departed.”
