Pope Leo XIV called on Sunday for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan and the creation of humanitarian corridors to help civilians caught up in the conflict between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Addressing pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square after the Angelus prayer, Leo said he was particularly concerned about civilians suffering in El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan state. U.N. Women has also raised concerns about the impact of the fighting on women and girls in El Obeid. The U.N. Human Rights Office has said drone strikes across Sudan killed 880 civilians in the first four months of 2026. Leo has repeatedly called for an end to wars and respect for international humanitarian law, urging parties to conflicts to pursue diplomacy and dialogue.