Kiir urges inquiry into shooting of Italian priest in Lakes State

April 26, 2021 (JUBA) – South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has urged authorities to expeditiously investigate the shooting of an Italian priest in Lakes State and apprehend those who carried out the “shameful” act.

Authorities in Lakes State said the Bishop-elect of Rumbek Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev. Christian Carlassare was shot and wounded on both legs by unknown gunmen who attacked his residence on Monday night.

“If those who carried out this shameful act were doing so to intimidate the church, they are sadly mistaken. The Catholic faithful Bishop Elect, Christian Carlassare, was chosen to lead and authorities in Lakes State will stand by him and will not allow action of few criminals to affect the plans of ecclesiastical authority,” Kiir said in a statement issued by the office of the presidency on Monday.

The South Sudanese leader called for the prosecution of the perpetrators if apprehended.

Appointed by Pope Francis on March 8, the 43-year old Carlassare was due to be formally ordained the Bishop of Rumbek at the end of next month.

Rumbek Catholic Diocese has been vacant since Msgr Cesare Mazzolari died in 2011.

(ST)