Pope Francis urges South Sudan’s leaders to work for peace, development
Pope Francis, in his written message to the President, called on South Sudanese political leaders to embrace the language of peace and dialogue for the lasting peace in the country.
By James Chatim
The Head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, has written to President Salva Kiir urging him to work for peace, reconciliation, and development in the country.
The letter was delivered by Apostolic Nuncio to South Sudan, Monsignor Séamus Horgan.
Pope Francis, in his written message to the President, called on South Sudanese political leaders to embrace the language of peace and dialogue for the lasting peace in the country.
In his message, Pope echoed the previous appeals for peace and reconciliation in the country.
Pope Francis reminded South Sudanese leaders of their primary responsibility to guide the country towards peace, dialogue, and development which aligns with early calls for implementing the Revitalized Peace Agreement and promoting national unity, according to the office of the president.
However, President Kiir assured the Holy See that the government remains committed to peace and that the situation in the country is under control.
“This commitment reflects the ongoing efforts to maintain stability since the 2018 peace deal.”
The President assured Pope Francis’ representative of the government’s commitment for peace, stressing that the current political tensions will be addressed in a commitment that reflects the efforts to implement 2018 Revitalized Agreement for the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
Also, the same message was delivered to the First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar in which the Representative of Pope Francis discussed with the First Vice President issues regarding R-ARCSS and the situation in Upper Nile, Western Equatoria as well as general security in the country.
Dr. Riek reiterated his commitment to the peace agreement signed in 2018, assuring the Pope that they would overcome the recent incidents for peace to prevail in the country.
“This commitment reflects the ongoing efforts to maintain stability since the 2018 peace deal,” said President Salva Kiir.
