Africa-Press – South-Sudan. By James Atem Kuir
The government has called on citizens to come out in large numbers and give the head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis a massive and warm reception when he makes his historic visit to the country in July this year.
On Thursday, the Vatican embassy in Juba announced the long-promised trip of the pontiff to south SudanfromJuly 5-7th, 2022 after traveling to the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo between July 2 and 5.
In a news conference after the Council of Ministers meeting chaired by President Salva Kiir Mayardit yesterday, Government Spokesperson and Minister of Information, Michael Makuei Lueth appealed to all the Christian community in South Sudan, both nationals and foreigners to welcome the Pope in his first visit to the country.
“His Excellency (President Salva Kiir Mayardit) briefed the Cabinet that the Holy See the Pope will arrive in South Sudan on the fifth of July and will be leaving on the 7th of July.
“On this ground, we appeal to the people of South Sudan, the Christians in particular and the whole population of South Sudan, to come out for the reception of his Holiness the Pope when he comes.
“So, this is an appeal to all the South Sudanese and even the residents of South Sudan who are not South Sudanese to come out for the reception of the Holiness,” Mr. Makuei said on Friday while addressing a news conference at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs.
The Pope is expected to be accompanied by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, and the moderator of the Church of Scotland, Jim Wallace on the trip to Juba.
In 2021, the three faith leaders sent a joint message to the leadership of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU), encouraging them to work together to ensure peace and stability as the South Sudanmarked10 years of independence.
“We pray that those promises will shape your actions, so that it will become possible for us to visit and celebrate with you and your people in person, honoring your contributions to a nation that fulfills the hopes South Sudanese had at independence,” the religious leaders wrote then.
Pope Francis who has been paying special attention to the South Sudan crisis, had sought to visit the country since2015 but the trip never materialized due to insecurity in the East African nation.
In 2019, Pope Francis hosted President Salva Kiir, First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, Vice President Rebecca Nyandeng de Mabiorand Vice Taban Deng Gaiat a Vatican retreat where he knelt and kissed their feet as he urged them not to return the country to war.
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