Sudan: Pope calls for humanitarian corridors

Pope Leo XIV called on Sunday for humanitarian corridors to be opened for civilians caught in Sudan's conflict, saying he was especially concerned about El-Obeid in southern Kordofan.

Leo said he was following “with concern the tragic situation in Sudan, especially in the city of El-Obeid”, the largest city in the southern Kordofan region, which has come under intense drone attacks in recent weeks.

“In expressing my spiritual closeness to all the people of the nation, I renew my appeal to those in authority to guarantee humanitarian corridors for the civilian population,” Leo said at the end of the Angelus prayer.

He also urged the international community to support efforts aimed at bringing about an immediate ceasefire.

The attacks on El-Obeid have prompted the United Nations to issue a “red alert” over what it described as an unfolding catastrophe.

The war between Sudan's regular army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces erupted in April 2023, creating what the United Nations describes as the world's largest displacement and hunger crises. The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions.