Pope Leo has called for an immediate end to the ongoing violence in Sudan. In his weekly Angelus message on Sunday (2 November), he said that with a “heart full of sorrow,” he has been following reports of brutality in El-Fasher in the Darfur region. The news was reported by British news agency Reuters.
He said that indiscriminate violence against women and children, attacks on unarmed civilians, and severe obstruction of humanitarian aid have created a tragic situation in El-Fasher.
Calling for an immediate ceasefire and the opening of humanitarian corridors, he added that the international community should take clear and generous action to support relief efforts.
On Friday, the UN Human Rights Office reported that in October, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) captured the Sudanese army’s last base in Darfur. After an 18-month siege, RSF entered the city last week, prompting thousands to flee for their lives.
The UN fears that several hundred civilians may have been killed in El-Fasher by the end of October.
Pope Leo also expressed concern on Sunday about the situation in Tanzania. Referring to reports of violence and casualties following the latest national elections, he urged all parties to avoid conflict and pursue dialogue.
