VATICAN CITY: Pope Leo XIV on Sunday condemned a new wave of attacks in Africa&#39;s <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/mali-junta-defense-minister-killed-in-attack-near-bamako-family" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sahel region</a>, particularly in Mali and Chad, after dozens of people were killed by militantgroups. &quot;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,&quot; said Pope Leo following his Regina Coeli prayer in St Peter&#39;s Square. &quot;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.&quot; On Saturday, security sources said dozens of people in central Mali had been killed the day before by an Al-Qaeda-linked group that had already killed at least 30 people in attacks on villages earlier on Wednesday. In Chad, Boko Haram killed at least 26 army personnel last week, prompting the government on Thursday to declare a 20-day state of emergency in the Lady Chad region.

This photo taken and handout on May 10, 2026 by The Vatican Media shows Pope Leo XIV during Regina Caeli prayer in The Vatican. (AFP)

Africa

Pope Leo XIV condemns militant attacks in Mali and Chad and offers prayers for victims amid rising violence across Africa’s Sahel region.

Articles tagged with "militancy in Sahel"

Pope condemns fresh violence in Sahel after dozens killed

Pope condemns fresh violence in Sahel after dozens killed