Pope Leo XIV called for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid to innocent civilians in Sudan caught between conflict between state military and paramilitary forces. "These incidents are occurring one after another, indeed they are multiplying, resulting in ever-increasing numbers of civilian victims, including children," the pope said. "My thoughts are with the victims' families, the wounded and all those who are suffering due to the ongoing conflict." "UNICEF again calls on all parties to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law -- including the protection of children and civilian infrastructure. "War only begets more war and causes immense suffering," the pope said.