Fighting intensified in Sudan’s capital of Khartoum and in other cities April 16 after skirmishes broke out Saturday morning between the Sudan army and the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group.
The clashes have erupted after almost a year and a half of military rule, and have ended hopes for a peaceful transition of power.
At least 56 people have been killed and almost 600 injured, according to reports. Fighting is reportedly taking place primarily in residential areas of the city, where civilians have been sheltering indoors since Saturday morning.
As of April 16, it was unclear which side had control of the country with both the army and RSF claiming their side was winning.
The New York Times reported that the fighting is spreading to other parts of Sudan, including in the western region of Darfur.
In his message on Sunday, Pope Francis also wished Orthodox Christians a happy Easter, while lamenting the ongoing wars in the world.
“Unfortunately, in strike contrast to the Easter message, wars are continuing, and they continue to sow death in horrific ways,” he said. “Let us grieve over these atrocities and let us pray for the victims, asking God that the world might never more have to experience the shock of violent death by human hand, but awe of the life that he gives and renews with his grace.”
Hannah Brockhaus is Catholic News Agency's senior Rome correspondent. She grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, and has a degree in English from Truman State University in Missouri.
Pope Francis gives a blessing at the conclusion of the Regina Caeli on April 16, 2023. Vatican Media
