Vatican Urges South Sudan Leaders to Honor Pope Francis’ Peace Legacy
By Nichola Mandil | BBC News, Juba
Call for Lasting Peace in South Sudan
The Vatican’s diplomatic representative to South Sudan has called on the nation’s rival leaders to honor Pope Francis’ legacy by ending the ongoing conflict. Archbishop Séamus Patrick Horgan emphasized the late pontiff’s vision for durable peace during a Mass at St Theresa’s Cathedral in Juba.
“We must try to make concrete in the daily life of South Sudan his ardent wish to see a true, durable peace,” Archbishop Horgan stated, urging dialogue and an end to violence.
Fragile Peace Agreement Under Threat
The 2018 peace agreement between President Salva Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar’s factions faces collapse amid recent clashes. UN mission head Nicolas Haysom warned the country is “on the brink of a return to full-scale civil war.”
Tensions escalated in March when Machar-aligned militia clashed with government forces. Machar remains under house arrest, accused of attempting to spark rebellion.
Pope’s Unheeded Pleas for Reconciliation
Religious leaders expressed disappointment that South Sudan’s leadership hasn’t fulfilled Pope Francis’ vision. During his 2023 visit, the Pope famously pleaded: “No more bloodshed, no more conflict, no more violence.”
Archbishop Justin Badi Arama warned: “The Revitalised Peace Agreement is seriously sick,” urging immediate action to prevent its collapse.
Iconic Gesture Remembered
Bishop Santo Loku Pio recalled Pope Francis’ 2019 gesture in Rome when he knelt to kiss the feet of South Sudanese leaders, begging for peace. “The leaders chose to ignore this profound appeal,” Loku lamented.
President Kiir attended the memorial Mass but failed to recommit to peace efforts, disappointing many attendees who hoped for concrete commitments.
The service brought together Christian and Muslim leaders, diplomats, and government officials, underscoring the broad appeal of Pope Francis’ message across faiths and communities.
Source: BBC News