Urge churches to speak out against the injustices in South Sudan, says Pope
### A Beacon of Hope: Pope Francis' Peace Mission to South Sudan
In February 2023, Pope Francis made a historic visit to South Sudan, a nation beset by conflict and natural disasters. Tens of thousands of people lined the streets of the capital Juba to welcome him with singing, drumming, and ululations, marking a significant moment in the country's troubled history.
The visit was part of an unprecedented "pilgrimage of peace," aimed at promoting dialogue and reconciliation. South Sudan, predominantly Christian, was in dire need of such a message, with an estimated 2.2 million internally displaced people and another 2.3 million having fled as refugees due to the conflict and three years of catastrophic floods.
Pope Francis addressed Catholic bishops, priests, and nuns in the cathedral of St. Therese in Juba, offering spiritual and moral guidance at a time when the country needed it most. He referred to the White Nile that runs through South Sudan as a river bathed in innocent blood, a poignant reminder of the suffering the nation has endured.
South Sudan's President Salva Kiir stated that his government is committed to consolidating peace in South Sudan, echoing the sentiments expressed by Pope Francis. The visit was also a joint one, with the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and the Church of Scotland Moderator Iain Greenshields joining Pope Francis in his mission.
However, the humanitarian situation in South Sudan remains challenging. The situation remains volatile, with ongoing violence described as a "low-intensity war," posing significant threats to stability. The Catholic Church continues to play a critical role in promoting peace and reconciliation, organizing dialogues and providing essential services where government and other organizations cannot.
The bishops of South Sudan have continued to advocate for peace, justice, and reconciliation, reminding the government and citizens of the need for lasting solutions to the political, social, and economic crises. The future prospects of realizing Pope Francis' wish for "true and durable peace" require sustained commitment from citizens and leaders alike, transforming his message into tangible actions.
An open-air ecumenical prayer vigil is expected to be attended by 50,000 people at a mausoleum for South Sudan's liberation hero John Garang. Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby expressed sadness that violence has continued despite the 2018 peace deal and the 2019 gathering at the Vatican. In a strongly worded speech, Pope Francis implored South Sudan's leaders, including President Salva Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar, to renounce violence, ethnic hatred, and corruption.
Extreme poverty and hunger are prevalent in South Sudan, with two thirds of the population needing humanitarian assistance. The legacy of Pope Francis' visit continues to inspire efforts towards peace, but the road to recovery is long and arduous. His visit, however, has left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire hope in the hearts of the South Sudanese people.
- Despite the Pope's visit and the joint efforts of world leaders, the politics of South Sudan remain complex, with policy-and-legislation aimed at resolving the ongoing war-and-conflicts in the nation being a significant concern.
- Meanwhile, crime-and-justice continue to be a general-news topic in South Sudan, as the country grapples with violence and instability, necessitating ongoing intervention and support from the international community.
