Pope Leo XIV called for calm in Tanzania during his weekly address at St. Peter's Square, urging citizens to reject violence after deadly clashes marred national elections held on Oct. 29. The pontiff told thousands gathered for Sunday Mass that dialogue must replace aggression as multiple deaths and injuries were reported from election-related turmoil across the East African country. Tanzanian officials have not released casualty figures.
The Catholic leader also condemned atrocities in Sudan, where humanitarian conditions continue deteriorating amid civil war between the Rapid Support Forces and Sudanese Armed Forces that began in April 2023. About 14 million people have fled their homes in a nation of 51 million as famine spreads and disease outbreaks multiply. The RSF recently captured El Fasher in North Darfur after besieging the city for more than 500 days.
Pope Leo XIV expressed deep anguish over reports that combatants killed sick and injured civilians inside hospitals and makeshift medical facilities. He demanded immediate ceasefires and access for aid workers to reach suffering populations, appealing to global powers for decisive intervention to assist relief operations.
The Catholic leader also condemned atrocities in Sudan, where humanitarian conditions continue deteriorating amid civil war between the Rapid Support Forces and Sudanese Armed Forces that began in April 2023. About 14 million people have fled their homes in a nation of 51 million as famine spreads and disease outbreaks multiply. The RSF recently captured El Fasher in North Darfur after besieging the city for more than 500 days.
Pope Leo XIV expressed deep anguish over reports that combatants killed sick and injured civilians inside hospitals and makeshift medical facilities. He demanded immediate ceasefires and access for aid workers to reach suffering populations, appealing to global powers for decisive intervention to assist relief operations.
