Pope Appeals for Sudan Aid Amid War and Deadly Landslide

September 4, 2025 

(VATICAN CITY) – Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday appealed for international humanitarian aid for Sudan, citing a devastating civil war and a recent landslide that killed over a thousand people in the Darfur region.

During his weekly General Audience, the Pope highlighted the “dramatic news” from Sudan and the plight of civilians trapped by fighting and famine.

“In El Fasher, numerous civilians are trapped in the city, victims of famine and violence,” he said. “I make a heartfelt appeal to those responsible and to the international community to ensure humanitarian corridors and implement a coordinated response to stop this humanitarian catastrophe.”

The pontiff also asked for prayers for the victims of a mudslide triggered by heavy floods this week in the Marra Mountains.

“In Tarasin, a devastating landslide has caused many deaths, leaving behind pain and despair. And, as if that were not enough, the spread of cholera threatens hundreds of thousands of people who are already exhausted,” he said.

The landslide occurred on Aug. 31 in Tarsin village. The Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A), which controls the area, said in a statement that the entire population was killed.

The natural disaster compounds the suffering from a war between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that began in April 2023. The conflict has killed more than 20,000 people and displaced 14 million, according to the U.N., though some U.S. research estimates the death toll is significantly higher.

Pope Leo urged the warring parties to engage in diplomacy to end the conflict.

“It is time to initiate a serious, sincere and inclusive dialogue between the parties to end the conflict and restore hope, dignity and peace to the people of Sudan,” he concluded.