{
  "id": 461654,
  "title": "Pope Leo calls for 'immediate ceasefire' in Sudan after Al Burhan's army vows to continue war",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/10/pope-leo-calls-for-immediate-ceasefire-in-sudan-after-al-burhans-army",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-10T10:58:57.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2026/08/10/pope-leo-calls-for-immediate-ceasefire-in-sudan-after-al-burhans-army-vows-to-continue-war/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Pope Leo XIV has called for an \"immediate ceasefire\" in Sudan amidst escalating violence between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The pontiff urged the international community to support efforts to achieve peaceful resolution. The war, now in its fourth year, has resulted in one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, displacing approximately 14 million people. The RSF, led by Gen Mohamed Dagalo, has been accused of committing atrocities including indiscriminate bombing and chemical weapons use, and has been placed under sanctions over alleged war crimes. The SAF, under Gen Abdel Fattah Al Burhan, has also been sanctioned for similar offenses. Both sides have their own administrations, with the RSF controlling parts of Kordofan and Blue Nile regions, while the SAF governs the capital and northern, central, and eastern Sudan. Despite calls for mediation, Gen Al Burhan has resisted offers from regional and international powers, while Gen Dagalo may be more open to negotiations, potentially motivated by a desire for legitimacy. The Pope expressed concern over the tragic situation in Al Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, where access to food and healthcare is severely limited. The UN's human rights chief has warned of an impending human rights catastrophe due to the intensifying conflict.",
  "summary": "Pope Leo XIV has called for an “immediate ceasefire” in Sudan after the army led by Gen Abdel Fattah Al Burhan vowed to continue the devastating war and eradicate the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces by the end of this year. “I urge the international community to support efforts aimed at bringing about an immediate ceasefire,” Pope Leo said. “Let us pray that the Lord may sustain those who are…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Al Jazeera",
        "title": "Has the army turned the page on control of western Sudan?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/10/has-the-army-turned-the-page-on-control-of-western-sudan",
        "published": "2026-08-10T12:51:53.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}