Pope Francis pledges to donate about half a million US Dollars to help people suffering in South Sudan in education, healthcare and agricultural projects.
Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, presented to the press ‘The Pope for South Sudan’ Initiative on Wednesday in Vatican.
The Cardinal says the intervention supported by the Holy Father is for the population of South Sudan.
Pope Francis is a universal pastor who overcomes boundaries and feels the pressing need to raise awareness among the international community of this silent drama, Cardinal Turkson stresses.
Pope is calling for greater and renewed efforts to reach a peaceful solution to the conflict in South Sudan,’ he adds.
Cardinal Turkson explains that the Holy Father wanted to make tangible Church’s presence and closeness to the afflicted people through this initiative.
The initiative aims to foster, support and encourage the work of the various religious congregations and international aid organizations in South Sudan.
The Pope also encouraging NGOs which work tirelessly to help the population and to promote the process of development and peace in South Sudan, the cardinal adds.