(OSV News): Pope Leo XIV has called for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid for civilians in Sudan as conflict between the state military and paramilitary forces intensifies. Speaking to pilgrims in St Peter’s Square on August 9, he expressed particular concern for those suffering in El Obeid, North Kordofan, urging authorities to guarantee humanitarian corridors and the international community to assist in “bringing about an immediate ceasefire.” He prayed: “The Lord may sustain those who are suffering, convert the hearts of those who sow violence, and grant the long-awaited peace.”
His remarks came after United Nations warnings that El Obeid risks becoming the site of mass atrocities.
In June 2026, the UN Security Council expressed “alarm” over paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) reinforcements around the city and demanded an immediate halt to the RSF assault.
The Council noted, “Escalating violence in the Kordofan states risks further exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation,” reporting RSF drone strikes and calling for investigations into abuses and violations.
UN Women has condemned ongoing assaults on women and girls in Sudan. Anna Mutavati, UN Women’s regional director, reported on July 24: “In El Obeid, Sudan, drone attacks during the day and sexual violence at night have left no safe window for women and girls to collect water.” Many women and girls, she added, have been “harassed, raped and subjected to other forms of sexual violence” while simply trying to obtain drinking water.
According to the UN Human Rights Office, drone strikes in Sudan killed 880 civilians in the first four months of 2026. Chief Volker Türk warned that the conflict was “on the cusp of entering yet another new, even deadlier phase.”
After his Angelus reflection, Pope Leo turned his attention to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, lamenting the relentless killing of innocents, especially children.
“These incidents are occurring one after another… resulting in ever-increasing numbers of civilian victims, including children,” he said. “My thoughts are with the victims’ families, the wounded, and all those who are suffering due to the ongoing conflict.”
Civilian casualties in the Russia-Ukraine war continue to mount. On July 30, a Russian attack killed eight people, including children, in Radushne, Ukraine. Ukrainian drone strikes in Russia’s Belgorod region on August 2 and near Gelendzhik on August 3 killed eight people, several of whom were children. On August 4, a Russian drone strike killed three people, including two children, in Sumy, Ukraine.
UNICEF condemned these attacks, stating: “A playground. A beach. A family home. Children have the right to be safe in the places where they live and play, wherever they are.”
Pope Leo renewed his call for “humanitarian law to be respected” and urged both Russia and Ukraine to “cease attacks on civilian targets.”
He concluded, “War only begets more war and causes immense suffering. It is time to put an end to this vicious cycle of violence and make room for diplomacy and dialogue, so as to open the way to peace.”
