STORY: Pope Leo on Sunday (November 2) appealed for an immediate ceasefire and the opening of humanitarian corridors in Sudan, saying he was following with "great sorrow" reports of terrible brutality in the city of Al-Fashir in Darfur.

"Indiscriminate violence against women and children, attacks on defenceless civilians and serious obstacles to humanitarian action are causing unacceptable suffering," the pope said during his weekly Angelus address to crowds in St. Peter's Square.

He called on the international community to act "decisively and generously" to support relief efforts.

The U.N. human rights office said on Friday (October 31) that hundreds of civilians and unarmed fighters may have been killed late last month when the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces captured Al-Fashir, the Sudanese army's last major holdout in Darfur.

The city fell a week ago after an 18-month siege, prompting tens of thousands to flee.

Pope Leo also addressed the situation in Tanzania on Sunday, saying there had been clashes with numerous casualties after recent national elections. He urged all sides to avoid violence and "walk the path of dialogue".

Later on Sunday, Leo is expected to lead a Mass at Rome's Verano cemetery, on the occasion of the Catholic celebration of All Souls, meant to remember the deceased faithful.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: VATICAN CITY (NOVEMBER 2, 2025) (VATICAN MEDIA - Access all)

1. POPE LEO APPEARING FROM WINDOW OF PAPAL APARTMENTS

2. CROWD IN ST. PETER’S SQUARE

3. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE LEO SAYING:

"Dear brothers and sisters, with great sorrow I follow the tragic news coming from Sudan, particularly from the city of Al-Fashir in the martyred northern Darfur region. Indiscriminate violence against women and children, attacks on defenceless civilians and serious obstacles to humanitarian action are causing unacceptable suffering to a population already exhausted by long months of conflict."

4. CROWD IN SQUARE

5. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE LEO SAYING:

"Let us pray that the Lord will welcome the deceased, sustain those who suffer and touch the hearts of those responsible. I renew my heartfelt appeal to the parties involved for a ceasefire and the urgent opening of humanitarian corridors. Finally, I invite the international community to intervene decisively and generously to offer assistance and support those who are working to bring relief."

6. CROWD IN SQUARE

7. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE LEO SAYING:

"Let us also pray for Tanzania where, after the recent political elections, clashes broke out, resulting in numerous victims. I invite everyone to avoid all forms of violence and walk the path of dialogue."

8. PEOPLE IN SQUARE APPLAUDING

9. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE LEO SAYING:

"To all, have a good Sunday, in Christian remembrance of our departed loved ones."

10. WOMAN WIPING AWAY TEARS

11. POPE WAVING FROM WINDOW