Pope appeals for end to violence in Sudan April 24, 2023By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service Filed Under: Feature, News, Vatican, World News VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis has appealed for an end to violence in Sudan and a return to dialogue. “I invite everyone to pray for our Sudanese brothers and sisters,” he said after reciting the midday “Regina Coeli” prayer with about 30,000 people gathered in St. Peter’s Square April 23. The pope had already expressed his concern about Sudan after the midday prayer April 16; fighting between forces loyal to two different generals has led to the deaths of hundreds of civilians since April 13. The power struggle has brought violence, shootings and bombings to the capital Khartoum and elsewhere. Electricity, internet and access to food and water have been cut off for many of the people. Pope Francis said April 23, “Unfortunately, the situation in Sudan remains grave, and therefore I renew my appeal for an end to the violence as soon as possible and for a return to the path of dialogue.” The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, reported April 20 that between 10,000 and 20,000 people had fled Sudan’s western Darfur region in the previous few days and sought refuge in neighboring Chad, which already hosts more than 370,000 Sudanese refugees. “The majority of those arriving are women and children, who are currently sheltering out in the open,” it said in a press release. “The initial most pressing needs are water, food, shelter, health care, child protection and prevention of gender-based violence. Due to the violence experienced by those crossing the border, psychosocial support is also among our top priorities,” it added. Read More Vatican News Wrapping up France visit, Pope Leo calls on Europe to choose reconciliation over division At Lourdes, a refuge for the ill, Pope Leo stands against assisted dying laws Pope Leo XIV leads thousands in candlelight rosary procession in Lourdes Pope encourages French youth to seek holiness during visually rich stadium vigil Pope Leo prays for the sick and suffering in the Lourdes grotto in France Moved by Pope Leo’s empathy, French abuse survivors urged action on ‘systemic’ failures Copyright © 2023 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Print
