In a solemn Mass held at St Theresa’s Cathedral in Juba, Sunday, South Sudanese leaders were urged to honor the legacy of the late Pope Francis by recommitting to peace and reconciliation.
The call was made by Archbishop Séamus Patrick Horgan, the Vatican’s diplomatic representative to South Sudan, who emphasized that the Pope’s longstanding desire for peace must now be translated into concrete action.
The pontiff’s historic 2023 visit to the country was recalled, during which he had passionately appealed for an end to the violence. His message, it was said, had been firmly delivered and remains deeply relevant amidst ongoing conflict.
The Pope’s death at the age of 88 was described as a moment of both grief and reflection, with religious leaders lamenting that his dream of a truly peaceful South Sudan remains unfulfilled. Archbishop Horgan reminded congregants of the extraordinary affection Pope Francis held for the people of South Sudan, and his 2019 gesture of kneeling to kiss the feet of the country’s leaders was remembered as a powerful symbol of humility and unity. However, it was noted that the gesture had not been heeded, as fresh clashes between government forces and the SPLM-IO continue to threaten the fragile 2018 peace agreement.
The Mass was attended by key national figures including President Salva Kiir and Vice-President Taban Deng Gai, but disappointment was expressed by worshippers that no renewed pledge for peace was made by the leadership. Bishops and clergy from multiple denominations called on the Transitional Government to act urgently to preserve the revitalized peace agreement, which was described as “seriously sick”.
It was stressed that the Pope’s vision for South Sudan—one of tolerance, dialogue, and unity—could still be realised if his message were embraced with sincerity and courage.