Pope Francis Appeals for Prayer “without getting tired” for Peace in Sudan, Mozambique

Vatican, 19 February, 2024 / 9:00 PM

Pope Francis is appealing for spiritual solidarity with the people of God in Sudan and Mozambique following protracted violent conflicts in the two African nations.

The ongoing war in Sudan between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that broke out on 14 April 2023 has led to the reported displacement of over 7.1 million people.

In the Southern African nation of Mozambique, insurgents have reportedly staged a series of attacks in Macimboa da Praia since the beginning of January, plunging civilians in the wider Cabo Delgado Province, which experienced its first insurgent attack in October 2017, into deeper despair.

“Let us pray without getting tired because prayer is effective, and we ask the Lord for the gift of minds and hearts that are concretely dedicated to peace,” Pope Francis said during his traditional Sunday appearance to the public in Vatican’s St. Peter’s Square on February 18.

He added, “Let's not forget: war is always a defeat. Wherever there is fighting, the populations are exhausted, they are tired of the war, which as always is useless and inconclusive, and will only bring death, only destruction, and will never bring the solution to the problems.”

The 266th Catholic Pontiff went on to say that the 10 months that have elapsed since the war broke out in Sudan have caused a “very serious humanitarian situation.”

“I ask again the warring parties to stop this war, which does so much harm to the people and the future of the country. Let us pray that ways of peace will soon be found to build the future of dear Sudan,” Pope Francis said.

In Mozambique, the Holy Father decried the violence against defenseless populations, the destruction of infrastructure, and the general insecurity, which he said is causing mayhem in the country’s embattled province of Cabo Delgado.

“Let us pray for peace to return to that tormented region,” he said referring to the country’s Pemba Diocese, “where the Catholic mission of Our Lady of Africa in Mazeze was also set on fire in recent days.”

During his February 18 appearance to the public in Vatican’s St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis also appealed for spiritual solidarity with the people of God in other parts of the world. 

He said, “Let's not forget the many other conflicts that bloodied the African continent and many parts of the world: also Europe, Palestine, Ukraine...”