"Although our first responsibility is South Sudan, we cannot distance ourselves from our neighbor Sudan." This is what the bishops of the youngest nation in the world have expressed regarding the ongoing civil war, which broke out in Sudan last year due to the confrontation between the leadership of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Adding how the conflict has severely damaged the country to the point of almost complete destruction.

"The fabric of Sudanese society has been torn, people are traumatized and shocked by the level of violence and hatred," report members of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Sudan and South Sudan (SSSCBC), gathered recently in Juba for three days.

The conflict, which Church leaders say has led to horrendous war crimes and human rights violations committed by both sides, has plunged the people of Sudan into a true humanitarian catastrophe. Hence the prelates' call to the people of God to offer their support through the provision of "humanitarian aid, peace work, preparation for the 'post-war period' in terms of reconciliation, rehabilitation, reconstruction and healing of trauma, and above all, prayer."

"So far there is not the slightest sign of a peace dialogue that could bring hope to the Sudanese. I believe that our leaders are not prepared for peace. Struggle and conflict have the upper hand," the bishops reported, quoting Bishop Tombe Trille Kuku, of the diocese of El Obeid, who in his pastoral message outlined the picture of the insensitivity of the parties interested in allowing peace to reign in Sudan, but who instead are fueling war that leads to more suffering for the people.

"It is time for you to think about the people and the nation – they continue. The more the fighting increases, the more the population disperses and hatred grows between the various Sudanese ethnicities. Kneel down to pray and hear the voice of God and the voice of the people, of the children, of the women who cry out for peace, and also the blood that cries on the ground of innocents who have died in the crossfire. Return to dialogue as children of one mother and one father.

Finally, the bishops of the SSSCBC, echoing the recent call that Pope Francis had made after the prayer of the Angelus, on the solemnity of Corpus Christi, in St. Peter's Square, ask all parties to lay down their arms and begin serious peace negotiations. Likewise, they condemn the massacres, rapes and looting of civilians and demand accountability for the crimes committed.