World Day of Prayer for Peace in Sudan: International Catholic Peace Movement Rallying for Solidarity ahead of Launch

“As a sign of commitment to peace, individuals and communities can incorporate this symbol in their moment of prayer and reflection,” they say in the statement published on March 17.

Officials of the international Catholic peace movement note that since 15 April 2023, the war between the the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has plunged the country into devastation.

According to PCI, the conflict has led to mass displacement, economic collapse, widespread hunger, and the breakdown of healthcare and education systems in the country.

The situation, the officials of the Catholic peace entity say, has been exacerbated by targeted attacks on civilians, ethnic cleansing in Darfur, and the systematic obstruction of humanitarian aid.

“International bodies, including the United Nations and the African Union, have labelled Sudan as the worst humanitarian crisis globally,” PCI officials say, and adds, “On 11 April 2025, we come together to pray, raise awareness, and take meaningful action for peace. Whether you are an individual, a faith leader, or a community organizer, your participation can make a difference.”

“Inspired both by the legacy of St. Josephine Bakhita, a Sudanese woman who overcame enslavement and became a symbol of resilience and faith, and by the suffering, courage, resilience and faith of all women in Sudan today who are supporting their communities and working for peace, we reaffirm our commitment to peace and justice,” they say.

PCI has created a booklet in English and Arabic to support communities and faith leaders in implementing a moment of prayer and reflection, but also ways to include the prayer in already existing spiritual gatherings.

Some of the entities that have already heeded PCI’s call for prayers for Sudan are the Centre for Social Justice and Ethics (CSJE) of the Kenya-based Catholic University of Eastern Africa, which is organizing a vigil prayer session on April 11, and Anaka Women’s Collective in Northern Ireland, which is planning to wear traditional Sudanese dress and colours in a prayer session for the embattled African country.

The ceremony in Northern Ireland is to include flowers and candles in the colours of Sudan, PCI officials say in the report, adding that the Anaka Women’s prayers will be conducted in Arabic, Irish and English.  

“There will be traditional Arabic and Irish grief calls, as well as poetry and music,” officials of the international Catholic peace movement say. 

Other entities that have joined the campaign include the Islamic Center of St. Cloud in Minnesota, and the Sisters of the Order of St. Benedict also in Minnesota in the U.S.