Pope Francis' last message to the people of South Sudan was not to let themselves be corrupted by the hatred and pain they face.
South Sudan is the youngest country in the world, gaining independence in 2011. But since then, it has been plagued by internal conflicts between different tribes.
Half of its nearly 11 million inhabitants are internally displaced people who live in a chaotic world that fosters savagery in its different forms—from petty theft to rape and murder to war.
POPE FRANCIS
Let us lay down weapons of hatred and revenge to embrace prayer and charity. Let us overcome the resentment and hostility that, over time, have become chronic and threaten to pit tribes and ethnicities against each other. Let us learn to put the salt of forgiveness, which burns but heals, on our wounds.
Pope Francis tried to offer encouragement and explain why, in the midst of a difficult world, it is worthwhile not to be corrupted by hatred or revenge.
POPE FRANCIS
Even if our hearts bleed from the wounds we have received, brothers and sisters, let us once and for all renounce responding to evil with evil, and we will be better. Let us accept and love one another sincerely and generously as God loves us. Let us cherish the good in us. Let us not be corrupted by evil!
The six day trip caught up with the Pope as he yawned a few times during his homily. At the end of the Mass, he left for the airport to end the 40th international trip of his almost 10 year pontificate.
JRB
TR: KG
