Pope Francis sends representative to South Sudan
June 24, 2022 (JUBA) – The head of the Catholic church, Pope Francis has sent a representative to South Sudan ahead of Friday’s visit to Canada.
Father Nicholas Kiir, the vicar general of the Catholic archdiocese of Juba, said the Pope will be represented by Pietro Cardinal Parolin from July 5-7, the days when the Roman Catholic head was expected to be in Juba.
The 85-year-old religious leader had planned to visit South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) between July 2 and 7, 2022, but cancelled the trip after he was advised by his team of medical personnel.
“I have been directed by his Grace, Archbishop Stephen Ameyu M. Mulla, archbishop of Juba diocese to officially announce the visit his eminence Pietro Cardinal Parolin, the secretary-general of the state at the Vatican, scheduled to take place Tuesday 5th of July through 7th of July 2022. He comes as papal delegate to South Sudan in the days aforementioned,” partly reads the message sent to the 18 parishes within Juba archdiocese.
“He will celebrate mass on Thursday, July 7th at Dr. John Garang’s mausoleum at 10.00 am. I request this official announcement be ever put without fail to wider circulation and numerous chapels of the archdiocese of Juba”, it added.
In Canada, the Pope will reportedly meet different groups, including religious leaders and indigenous people and hold prayers in various places.
The Pontiff is scheduled to return to the Vatican, Italy on July 29.
(ST)