Pope Francis calls on South Sudanese leaders to build prosperous country
February 3, 2023 (JUBA) – Pope Francis called on the South Sudanese leaders to embrace peace and to work together for the benefit of the sons and daughters of South Sudan.
Juba on Friday received Pope Francis, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland who are on an “ecumenical pilgrimage” to South Sudan, as they said
President Salva Kiir and his deputies received the religious leaders at Juba international airport, while a joyful crowd lined up in Juba streets repeating religious chants to welcome the three religious leaders who in a rare joint visit to underscore the need for peace in the war ravaged-country.
In a direct plea for peace to the South Sudanese leaders, Pope Francis told them they are the fathers and mothers of the young nation and they are needed to achieve peace and porosity for the sons and daughters of South Sudan.
“They need fathers, not overlords; they need steady steps towards development, not constant collapses,” he said before adding “May the time that followed the birth of the country, its painful childhood, lead to a peaceful maturity”.
He further warned that history would not pardon them if they fail their mission.
“Future generations will either venerate your names or cancel their memory, based on what you now do,” he stressed.
The Pope addressed a special message to Kiir and his first deputy Riek Machar calling to not resume the war.
“No more bloodshed, no more conflicts, no more violence and mutual recriminations about who is responsible for it, no more leaving your people athirst for peace. No more destruction: it is time to build! Leave the time of war behind and let a time of peace dawn,” he said.
Two years after independence, war erupted in the country between Kiir and Machar. A first peace agreement had been signed in 2016 and revitalized in September 2018. But still, no election was held as the parties postponed it several times due to the slow implementation of the peace agreement.
Also, tribal violence and inter-communal attacks continue to occur in the country while some armed groups still did not sign a peace agreement with the government.
In his speech, Francis spoke about the need to respect human rights and freedom of expression stressing that it was key for democracy and justice in the country.
Also, he called to fight corruption and combat poverty.
The Pope had a private meeting with President Kiir before making his speech at the presidential palace in Juba.
The three religious leaders will meet displaced people.
On Sunday, he will celebrate a mess before heading back to Rome.
(ST)