Trending 
Pope Leo XIV has condemned a new wave of violence in the Sahel region following deadly attacks in parts of Africa, particularly in Mali and Chad, where dozens of people were killed in recent assaults linked to jihadist groups.
Speaking on Sunday after the Regina Coeli prayer in St. Peter’s Square, the Pope said he had received reports of rising insecurity and expressed deep concern over the situation in the region.
“I have learned with concern of the reports of increasing violence in the Sahel region, particularly in Chad and Mali, which have been hit by recent terrorist attacks,” he said.
He said he was following developments in the Sahel with concern, noting that recent terrorist attacks in Chad and Mali had caused significant loss of life.
The Pope also expressed solidarity with victims and affected communities, adding that he was praying for those impacted by the violence.
He urged an end to all forms of violence and called for sustained efforts toward peace and development in what he described as a beloved region.
“I have learned with concern of the reports of increasing violence in the Sahel region, particularly in Chad and Mali, which have been hit by recent terrorist attacks.
“I offer my prayers for the victims and express my solidarity with all those who are suffering. I hope that all forms of violence will cease, and I encourage every effort toward peace and development in that beloved land,” he stated.
In Mali, security sources reported that dozens of people were killed on Friday in central areas following an attack attributed to the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), an Al-Qaeda-linked organisation.
The group had earlier carried out separate attacks on villages in the country during the week, which reportedly left at least 30 people dead.
In Chad, authorities said at least 26 army personnel were killed last week in an attack carried out by Boko Haram.
Following the incident, the government declared a 20-day state of emergency in the Lake Chad region on Thursday as part of efforts to contain escalating insecurity.
