By Alfred Soka – Juba
Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference or SSSCBC on Monday started in Juba to deliberate on the visit of Pope Francis to South Sudan expected from 5th to 7th July, 2022.
President of the Conference, Bishop Yunnan Tombe Trille, appreciates the two Archbishops, Bishops and Monsignors for turning up for the abrupt meeting to brainstorm together on the pastoral trip of the Holy Father to Juba.
He thanks God for the gift of Monsignors Christian Carlassare, Bishop-elect of Rumbek and Alex Lodiong Bishop-elect of Yei.
Bishop Tombe admits that the information for the visit of Pope Francis generated great joy to all people and groups in South Sudan.
He notes that Pope’s visit is to encounter with the faithful and share in the Eucharistic celebrations.
The President of the Conference assures that the visit of the Pontiff is to strengthen his brothers in the Sudan and South Sudan.
He says the Holy Father is expected to bring message of reconciliation to the two countries undergoing crisis.
The Catholic leader expects the Pope to strength the faith, share needs of peace, reconciliation, civil leadership and unity of the people of the two countries.
Earlier, the Secretary-General of the Conference, Fr Peter Suleiman, welcomed the ordinaries, describing that the visit of the Pope as a blessing to the Sudan and South Sudan.
The President and the Secretary-General of the Conference spoke on Monday during the opening of the Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference on Monday in Juba. The three-day deliberations will be followed by the Episcopal ordination of Monsignor Christian Carlassare in Rumbek on Friday, the solemnity of Annunciation of the Lord.