Pope Francis and the leaders of the Anglican Church and the Church of Scotland have sent a joint message to the political leaders of South Sudan.
The message sent on the tenth anniversary of the country's independence urged the leaders to make “personal sacrifices” towards reconciliation after emerging from a deadly civil war in 2018. It stated that “Much more needs to be done in South Sudan to shape a nation that reflects God's kingdom.”
In April 2019, Pope Francis invited the president of South Sudan and opposition leaders to the Vatican for a spiritual retreat, during which he kissed their feet to implore they work together for peace.
The Pope has also repeatedly expressed interest in visiting South Sudan. Last year he announced he would visit the country with the Primate of the Anglican Church, the Most Reverend Justin Welby and the former Moderator of the Church of Scotland, Rev. Martin Fair, yet the trip was postponed due to increased security concerns.
The UN is now warning that the slow implementation of a peace deal signed in 2018 could result in another large-scale conflict.
In their joint message, the Christian leaders pray that they will uphold their commitment to peace so that they may realize their visit to South Sudan.
JM
