On his first day in South Sudan, Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin said that Pope Francis wishes to see long-term peace and reconciliation in the world’s youngest country.
“It’s a tremendous delight to be with you and to be able to remain for a few days to celebrate, to lead people and to pray, to meet people on Pope Francis’s behalf,” Cardinal Pietro remarked to the media at Juba Airport.
“We feel very much in contact with the Holy Father on this day,” he continued. He is very worried about South Sudan’s reconciliation and peace, and he is closely monitoring the positive developments. He will guarantee you and the Church’s people of his prayers and spiritual support with the authorities.”
Pope Francis’ envoy arrived in Juba this morning to make an ecumenical visit on behalf of the Holy Father, whose trip to South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo was canceled owing to severe knee discomfort.
President Salva Kiir Mayardit and First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar will be met by the Vatican ambassador. Following his discussions with the country’s authorities, the envoy will pay a visit to the Bentiu IDP camp on Wednesday and attend a public mass at the Dr. John Garang Mausoleum on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Senior Presidential Adviser Kuol Manyang said, “Pope Francis will visit.” That is why he has sent his delegate and the Vatican Secretary of State to Juba to inspect the preparations for his holiness’s arrival.”
Kuol emphasized that the pope’s visit heralds the arrival of peace in South Sudan. “When he visited our leaders at the Vatican, his holiness, Pope Francis, had to fall down and kiss their feet, asking for peace and appealing with them to make peace for the people of South Sudan.”
Cardinal Pietro will go to Usratuna and the Catholic University of South Sudan on Friday after attending liturgy at St. Paul Major Seminary before departing for the Vatican.
