Vatican:

Pope Francis has urged world leaders to end violence in Sudan and northern Mozambique, where the Catholic mission of Our Lady of Africa in Mazeze was set ablaze. Armed assailants destroyed the Catholic chapel and several people’s homes. The Holy Father’s message resonates deeply with a profound concern for the ongoing conflicts in Sudan, Mozambique, and other parts of Africa, as well as in Ukraine and the Holy Land. His appeal for peace underscores the immense human suffering inflicted by these conflicts. He made this appeal on Sunday after praying the Angelus prayer with pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square.

“Wherever fighting occurs, people are exhausted, tired of war, which as always is pointless and inconclusive, and will only bring death, only destruction, and will never solve the problem. I once again ask the warring parties to stop this war, which causes so much harm to the people and the future of the country. Let us pray that paths to peace are soon found to build the future of dear Sudan,” he said.

The Pope's call for both prayers and tangible efforts toward peace emphasizes the critical need for both spiritual and practical actions to resolve conflicts and pave the way for a better future in affected regions.

The situation in Sudan, particularly the escalating clashes between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces, is deeply troubling. The large number of people in need of humanitarian aid and those displaced from their homes underscores the urgent imperative to find a resolution to the conflict. The involvement of the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy for Sudan in renewed diplomatic efforts reflects the international community's recognition of the severity of the crisis and the necessity for coordinated diplomacy to address it.

The repercussions of the Sudanese conflict extend beyond the country's borders, worsening regional instability and affecting neighboring nations. The efforts to bolster multilateral cooperation and engage with regional and global partners underscore the complexity of the situation and the importance of collaborative approaches in seeking sustainable solutions.

In essence, Pope Francis's message underscored the profound human toll of warfare and the pressing need for peace in conflict-stricken areas. His call for prayer and practical steps to tackle the underlying causes of violence highlights the urgency of the situation and the collective responsibility to work towards lasting peace.

Meanwhile, in recent weeks, the plight of Christians in Mozambique has worsened, prompting missionaries, priests, and nuns to flee the town of Mazeze due to jihadist attacks that erupted on February 9.

Since the start of 2024, violence has surged, with Islamist armed groups in the country's northern region intensifying their activities. This escalation has instilled a pervasive sense of fear and insecurity among the local population, according to reports from the pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).

The focal point of these attacks is the province of Cabo Delgado, centered around its capital, Pemba. Many Catholic clergy members displaced by the terrorist attacks, which have included the destruction of homes and churches, have sought sanctuary in Pemba, as revealed by a missionary speaking under anonymity to ACN for safety reasons.

The decision to evacuate stems from a need to protect individuals, as remaining in villages can inadvertently expose them to danger. The presence of priests or sisters may create a false sense of security, potentially making them targets for further attacks.

Since its inception in 2017, the jihadist insurgency in Mozambique has claimed the lives of at least 5,000 people and displaced over a million. Several neighboring countries have joined efforts with the Mozambican army to quell the violence. ACN underlined the unwavering commitment of the Catholic Church to assisting displaced individuals in northern Mozambique and actively pursuing a peaceful resolution to the conflict.