Pope calls for humanitarian corridors in Sudan

Pope Leo XIV has appealed for the opening of humanitarian corridors to aid civilians caught in Sudan's devastating conflict. The pontiff expressed deep concern over the "tragic situation" in the nation, highlighting the intense drone attacks on El Obeid, the largest city in South Kordofan.

“

Expressing my spiritual closeness to all the population of the country, I renew my appeal to the authorities to guarantee humanitarian corridors for the civilian population.

The United Nations has issued a "red alert" for the escalating crisis in the region. The conflict, which erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced millions.

"Expressing my spiritual closeness to all the population of the country, I renew my appeal to the authorities to guarantee humanitarian corridors for the civilian population," Pope Leo XIV stated after the Angelus prayer. He also urged the international community to support immediate ceasefire efforts.

“

At the same time I exhort the international community to support the efforts aimed at establishing an immediate ceasefire.

Drone warfare has become increasingly prominent in the conflict. The UN reports that over 1,000 civilians have died from such attacks in the first five months of this year. The RSF's advances in El Obeid and the wider Kordofan region raise fears of large-scale atrocities. The UN describes the resulting hunger crisis as the world's most severe.

“

Let us pray that the Lord sustains those who suffer, converts the heart of those who sow violence, and grants the long-awaited peace.