Pope Leo XIV made a heartfelt plea on Sunday, November 2, 2025, calling for an immediate halt to hostilities and the establishment of safe humanitarian access in Sudan. He expressed profound grief over the harrowing accounts of brutality emanating from Al-Fashir in Darfur.
During his regular Angelus address to the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the Pontiff emphasized, “The indiscriminate violence targeting women and children, unprovoked assaults on vulnerable civilians, and severe impediments to humanitarian operations are inflicting intolerable suffering.”
He urged global leaders and organizations to respond with swift and generous action to bolster crucial relief initiatives.
Just days prior, on Friday, the U.N. human rights office reported that the fall of Al-Fashir — the Sudanese army’s final significant stronghold in Darfur, captured by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces after an 18-month siege — likely resulted in the deaths of hundreds of civilians and unarmed combatants. This event forced tens of thousands to abandon their homes.
Shifting his focus, Pope Leo also touched upon the recent post-election clashes in Tanzania, which have tragically led to numerous casualties. He strongly advised all parties involved to desist from violence and instead embrace peaceful dialogue.