Africa-Press – South-Sudan. Excitement over the much-anticipated arrival of Pope Francis’ visit to Juba, this February, has peaked, with both the church and the citizens polishing up the big day.
“The church is ready to receive the Holy Father,” said Reverend Father John Gbemboyo chairperson, of the Committee for Communication and Information of Pope Francis Visit to South Sudan told City Review to on a phone interview
“We had already done the greater part of the preparations last year and if there are things that didn’t go well the time is now to help us finalize,” he said
Earlier, Father Gbemboyo told the City Review that the church is encouraging people across the country to come to Juba to catch a glimpse of the Pope.
“We want to make sure that we are spiritually prepared, and all our people will be encouraged to come to see the pope in Juba,” he explained
He clarified that the theme of the Pope’s visit planned visit is that “we all should be one” (John 17)
“He is coming on the pilgrimage of peace, in the company of the archbishop of Canterbury, the moderators of the assembly of the church of Scotland,”
He also urged citizens to foster peace in their neighborhoods, claiming that this is the only way to bring stability to the country.
In February, Pope Francis and other church leaders will visit South Sudan. Members of the South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC) have stated that the Ecumenical Pilgrimage of Peace will strengthen unity among the country’s various denominations and ethnic divides.
In Juba town, the Town mayor is supporting the rehabilitation of the road linking Juba city to the Vatican embassy in Juba Na Bari located about in Tongping.
On Tuesday, City Council Mayor Michael Ladu Allah announced that the African Resource Cooperation Company, ARC, has been contracted to build the road from Kololo Junction to the Embassy, as well as other clean-up initiatives.
Allah-Jabu already urges Juba inhabitants to begin cleaning their homes and surrounding areas in preparation for the three global religious leaders’ visit.
Residents are also cautioned against throwing garbage in the middle of roads or sidewalks, as well as driving through areas that are off-limits to the public.
Pope Francis will travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and to South Sudan from 31 January to 5 February 2023.
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