In the suffocating climate of civil war, Father Luke Jumu, the humble pastor of the parish of El-Fasher in Sudan, has returned his soul to God. On June 12, a shell struck the rectory where he resided. Two people died instantly. The priest, gravely wounded in the legs, did not survive his injuries and passed away the following day at the age of 55. It is yet another painful testimony in this blood-soaked country, where the Church of Christ nevertheless continues to stand firm.
In a moving tribute, Bishop Edward Hiiboro of the Diocese of Tombura-Yambio, honored his brother in the priesthood with these words:
“His sacrifice, endured out of love for Christ and his people, is a sacred testimony of priestly devotion in the heart of conflict.”
These words convey the discreet yet powerful heroism of this priest, a shepherd who remained faithful to his flock to the very end, in a scarred region of North Darfur.
The Catholic Church in Sudan, though assailed on all sides, refuses to yield to fear. Yet the attacks are numerous and targeted. Just last December, Bishop Yunan Tome and a deacon accompanying him were killed in an ambush laid by militiamen of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who are growing increasingly violent towards civilians and men of God alike.
Since April 15, 2023, the Republic of Sudan has been plunged into a bloody civil war pitting the Sudanese Armed Forces against the RSF. This conflict, reeking of fratricidal hatred, has already caused the deaths of 150,000 innocents and driven nearly 14 million people into exile. This humanitarian disaster is compounded by the RSF's stubborn refusal to allow access for humanitarian aid, further aggravating the suffering of abandoned populations.
In the face of such pain, Pope Leo XIV has not remained silent. On June 15, during the Angelus, he made a point of expressing his spiritual closeness:
“I also think of the Republic of Sudan, devastated by violence for more than two years. I learned the sad news of the death of Father Luke Jumu, pastor of El Fasher, a victim of a bombardment. As I pray for him and for all the victims, I renew my appeal to the combatants to cease hostilities, protect civilians, and engage in dialogue for peace. I urge the international community to intensify its efforts to provide at least essential aid to the population severely affected by the grave humanitarian crisis.”
The successor of Saint Peter calls for a conversion of hearts. His cry, launched from the Vatican loggia, rises as an echo to the tears of widows, orphans, and forgotten wounded. This is not a political or diplomatic discourse, but a paternal appeal, rooted in the charity of Christ.
The martyrdom of Father Luke Jumu is not a mere news item. It is a seed of faith, planted in a land of blood. May his offering not be in vain. May the powerful of this world finally heed the cry of the Sudanese people. And may the name of this courageous priest remain engraved in our memory, as a model of fidelity, courage, and abandonment to the will of God.