Juba, South Sudan
CNN
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Pope Francis arrived in Juba, South Sudan on Friday fulfilling a long-time wish to visit the war-ravaged country, currently in the midst of a major humanitarian emergency.
In a first, the Pope is undertaking the trip together with the head of the Anglican Communion, Archbishop Justin Welby, and the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Rt. Rev. Iain Greenshields, representing the three Christian churches that make up the majority of the population in South Sudan.
“South Sudan, wrecked by years of war, longs for an end to the constant violence that forces many people to be displaced and live in conditions of great hardship,” the Pope said before leaving Rome for Africa on Tuesday.
South Sudan is experiencing the third largest refugee crisis in the world, according to the UN Refugee Agency. Some four million refugees have…
2023-02-03 09:21:46 Pope Francis arrives in Juba, South Sudan in historic trip
Source from www.cnn.com Pope Francis has arrived in Juba, South Sudan as part of a historical visit to the region. The Pope’s trip follows South Sudan’s declaration of unity and a resolution to revive the nation’s peace process.
This is the first papal visit to South Sudan since its independence in 2011. Francis said during his flight to Juba that the purpose of his visit was to “express the closeness of the Church and of the Pope together with the beloved South Sudanese people.”
The pontiff’s mission will be to encourage the South Sudanese people to remain resilient while they witness the revitalization of their nation’s peace process. He is also expected to meet with presidents Salva Kiir and Riek Machar in an effort to strengthen unity between them and their respective political followers.
During his visit, Pope Francis will also address students and religious leaders, and will later meet with the nation’s women and young people. He has called on everyone to “unite in prayer for peace in South Sudan and throughout the world.”
The Pope has had several meetings with world leaders to discuss the urgent need for peace and unity in South Sudan. His visit is an important symbol of peace and collaboration between nations that have been struggling for years.
Pope Francis’ trip will be a landmark for the nation and its people. His actions and words may be the catalyst needed for South Sudan to finally experience the peace and prosperity that the people have long sought.