Sudan’s western Darfur region is in mourning after a devastating landslide destroyed the village of Tarasin on August 31, killing nearly all of its residents. The tragedy comes as the country continues to face a brutal civil conflict and widespread humanitarian crisis.
The Sudan Liberation Movement-Army reported that “the entire village had been completely levelled to the ground” and said that “initial information indicates the death of all village residents, estimated to be more than one thousand people. Only one person survived,” according to Vatican News. The ruling Sovereign Council in Khartoum expressed its sorrow and announced that rescue teams had been mobilized to assist in the region.
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Pope Leo XIV responded with compassion and prayer. In a telegram sent to Bishop Yunan Tombe Trille Kuku Andali of El Obeid Diocese, the Holy Father expressed “his spiritual closeness,” praying “for the dead, all those who mourn their loss, and the rescue of the many people still missing,” according to Vatican News. The message, signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, entrusted the victims “to the mercy of God” and invoked “the divine blessings of consolation and strength” for the nation of Sudan.
This disaster underscores the dire situation in Darfur, where over two years of conflict between the military and the Rapid Support Forces have made humanitarian aid nearly impossible. The United Nations and aid groups struggle to reach the Marrah Mountains region, which Doctors Without Borders previously described as “a black hole” in humanitarian response efforts.
Catholics are called to unite in prayer and action. This tragedy reminds the Church of her mission to stand in solidarity with the suffering. As Pope Leo has urged, let us “pray for the dead” and ask God to console survivors and strengthen all those working to bring relief to the devastated region.
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