Pope Leo Calls for Humanitarian Corridors in Sudan and Diplomacy Over Ukraine

Pope Leo XIV has renewed his appeal for humanitarian access in Sudan and an end to attacks on civilians in the Russia-Ukraine war, warning that continuing retaliation is deepening human suffering without creating lasting solutions.

Speaking after Sunday's Angelus in St Peter's Square, the Pope drew particular attention to the worsening humanitarian situation around El-Obeid in Sudan's North Kordofan state. He urged authorities to guarantee humanitarian corridors for civilians and called on the international community to support efforts towards an immediate ceasefire.

El-Obeid occupies a strategic position linking central Sudan with Darfur and has faced escalating fighting and humanitarian pressure. Vatican News reported United Nations warnings that the city could become another major humanitarian catastrophe, with civilians facing shortages of food, water and medical supplies.

Sudan's conflict has displaced more than 14 million people, according to figures cited by Vatican News, leaving large numbers dependent on humanitarian assistance.

Pope Leo also addressed the war involving Russia and Ukraine, expressing concern over continuing civilian deaths and injuries on both sides. He appealed for international humanitarian law to be respected and for civilians not to be made targets of military action.

His central message was that continued escalation creates another round of retaliation rather than resolving the conflict. The Pope said that war generates further war and immense suffering, and urged leaders to create space for diplomacy and dialogue.

The intervention reflects a recurring theme of Leo's public ministry: political disagreements and security concerns cannot justify treating civilian suffering as an acceptable cost of conflict.

For churches and humanitarian organisations, the appeal also raises a practical responsibility. Calls for peace must be accompanied by support for refugees, displaced families, injured civilians and aid organisations operating in dangerous environments.

The Holy See has limited direct political leverage over the combatants, but papal interventions can help keep humanitarian principles visible at a time when public debate is often dominated by military objectives and battlefield developments.

The Pope's message therefore goes beyond a generic call for peace. It is an appeal to protect human life while diplomacy still has room to work.

Source attribution: Pope Leo XIV; Vatican News, 9-10 August 2026.