By Linda Bordoni
“Dramatic news is coming out of Sudan, particularly from Darfur. In El Fasher, numerous civilians are trapped in the city, victims of famine and violence,” Pope Leo XIV said during his General Audience on Wednesday.
The Pope called for a humanitarian response for the hundreds of thousands of suffering people there.
His appeal included prayers for victims of a natural disaster, in which a devastating mudslide triggered by floods this week killed over a thousand people in Sudan’s Marra Mountains in the east of the country.
Speaking in Italian and referring to the death and massive displacement caused by a 29-month civil war in Sudan, the Pope said, “I make a heartfelt appeal to those responsible and to the international community to ensure humanitarian corridors and implement a coordinated response to stop this humanitarian catastrophe.”
Decrying the suffering of hundreds of thousands of people who are trapped by war and famine and a cholera epidemic, he appealed for diplomatic efforts to end the conflict: “It is time to initiate a serious, sincere and inclusive dialogue between the parties to end the conflict and restore hope, dignity and peace to the people of Sudan.”
His request for prayers for the victims of the landslide was pronounced in English: “In Tarasin, a devastating landslide has caused many deaths, leaving behind pain and despair. And, as if that were not enough, the spread of cholera threatens hundreds of thousands of people who are already exhausted,” he said.
“I am closer than ever to the Sudanese people, especially families, children and displaced persons. I pray for all the victims. I ask all of you to join me in praying for those affected by the recent mudslides in the Marra Mountains of Sudan.”
And invoking the eternal peace of the Lord for those who have died, as well as solace and strength for their loved ones, Pope Leo concluded: “Even in the midst of such tragedies may we never lose hope in God’s love for us.”
The war in Sudan
The war in Sudan erupted in April 2023, triggered by a power struggle between the Sudanese Army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces as the nation prepared to form a transitional government after the ousting of longtime dictator Omar al-Bashir.
It is estimated that the conflict has killed up to 150,000 people and caused some 12 million to flee their homes. Humanitarian organisations say it has created one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises, with some 30 million people needing assistance.
Homes, hospitals and schools have been destroyed across the country, and basic services have ceased, while malnutrition and food insecurity are on the rise, with some 680,000 in a state of catastrophic food insecurity.
El Fasher, the North Darfur capital, which has been under siege, is also in the grip of a deadly cholera epidemic.
Two other cities – Kadugli in South Kordofan state and El Obeid in North Kordofan – are also under siege, and UN agencies say it is impossible to deliver aid.
Soldiers on both sides of the conflict have been accused of blatant disregard for International Law and war crimes, allegedly perpetrating rape, torture and the killing of civilians. – Vatican News
