The apostolic nuncio or Pope’s representative in the Sudan said that there is concrete hope for peace in the country and in recent months there have been positive developments in Southern Sudan and in Darfur.
Archbishop Leo Boccardi told Fides news agency that there are still difficulties to overcome, like insecurity in several areas of the country, corruption, tribal conflicts.However, he added that if the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) is applied in its entirety, Sudan will regain peace.
The diplomat explained that the situation in Darfur is improving even after major aid agencies were substituted by Arab NGOs.
The Vatican ambassador in Sudan underlined that the Church in Southern Sudan continues to progress and its structures are consolidating in the area.
He cited the Catholic University, the reopening of St Paul’s Major Seminary and the Catholic Secretariat transfer from Nairobi, Kenya, as major developments.
Archbishop Boccardi praised the Catholic community, particularly young people who, he said, are eager to participate in the life of the Church.