To those on the verge of dying from starvation in South Sudan, it is imperative that concrete food aid reaches them right away.
Pope Francis made this appeal toward the end of his weekly General Audience this morning, the first in St. Peter’s Square in 2017.
«Of particular concern,» the Pope lamented, «is the painful news coming from the battered southern Sudan, where a fratricidal conflict is compounded by a severe food crisis, which, through starvation, condemns to death millions of people, including many children.»
On Monday, Feb. 20, South Sudan’s government officially declared a famine in different parts of the country. According to the United Nations, the African nation’s areas hardest hit by war and the collapsing economy have left about 100,000 people facing starvation. A million others are at risk of famine.
«At this time,» Pope Francis appealed, «it is more necessary than ever, that everyone commits not just to making statements, but to providing concrete food aid and allowing that it can reach suffering populations.»
«May the Lord sustain these brothers and those working to help them.»
