General Audience Plea
During his Wednesday General Audience, Pope Leo XIV appealed to both global leaders and the wider international community to act swiftly in response to the escalating crisis in Sudan. He emphasized the need to establish humanitarian corridors and implement a coordinated aid effort to halt the catastrophe unfolding across the country.
Landslide and Natural Disaster
The Pope also expressed sorrow over a devastating landslide that struck the remote village of Tarasin in Sudan’s Darfur region. The disaster occurred on August 31 and has claimed numerous lives—some estimates suggest up to 1,000, though only around 100 bodies have been officially recovered.
Humanitarian Emergency
Sudan continues to reel under compounded crises:
Civil war and sieges have left civilians trapped in areas like El Fasher, facing dire famine and violence.
A cholera outbreak threatens to spread to hundreds of thousands more, further intensifying the humanitarian emergency.
Call for Dialogue and Peace
Pope Leo highlighted the urgency of initiating a “serious, sincere and inclusive dialogue” among the conflicting parties. He urged that such a diplomatic process is essential to restore hope, dignity, and peace to the Sudanese people.
Summary Table
Issue Details
Who Pope Leo XIV during his General Audience at the Vatican
What Appeal for humanitarian corridors and coordinated international response
Why War, siege, natural disaster (landslide), cholera outbreak, massive displacement
Where Sudan—especially Darfur and El Fasher region
Next Steps Requested Peace talks among parties, opening access for humanitarian aid
