Pope Leo XIV has renewed his call for peace in Sudan, urging an immediate ceasefire and the creation of humanitarian corridors for civilians trapped by fighting in El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan. Addressing worshippers in St Peter’s Square on Sunday, the Pope said he was particularly concerned about the deteriorating situation in El Obeid, where fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has disrupted access to food, water, healthcare and other essential services. The United Nations has also warned of escalating violence around the city. In June, the UN reported drone attacks damaging civilian infrastructure, including water facilities, fuel stations and medical centers. By July, UN humanitarian officials said El Obeid’s water system was supplying only about 20% of the city’s needs, while more than 100,000 displaced people were sheltering in camps there.
The UN has described El Obeid as a critical humanitarian hub for North Kordofan and the wider Kordofan region. It has repeatedly urged the warring parties to protect civilians and allow aid workers and supplies to move safely. Leo also appealed for an end to the wider Sudan conflict, calling on the international community to support diplomatic efforts aimed at securing an immediate halt to hostilities. The Pope extended his peace appeal to the war between Russia and Ukraine, urging respect for international humanitarian law and an end to attacks against civilians. Sudan has been engulfed in war since April 2023, when fighting erupted between the SAF and RSF. The conflict has displaced millions of people and created one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises.
