Apostolic Nuncio to South Sudan Archbishop Mathew Hubertus Bert van Megen described the Holy Father’s visit as a means to bridge the reconciliation gap that has existed in the country for years.
“Pope Francis is very serious about reconciliation for justice to prevail, and I think he intends to be that bridge between the opposing parties in South Sudan to bring people together”, he told AMECEA online.
the Vatican diplomat narrates that since the beginning of his Pontificate in 2013, the Pope has always desired to visit South Sudan.
“If you look at the peace agreement which should bring the parties together, the agreement has only been implemented partly and there is no much progress,” Archbishop van Megen said.
The Apostolic Nuncio noted that Pope’s retreat in Rome for the South Sudan leaders and eventually kissing their feet in 2019 was symbolic gesture.
He said “the Papal visit is a follow up on that same event of 2019 to show the people on the ground the need for reconciliation”.
Archbishop van Megen underscores that “the Holy Father normally emphasizes in his preaching and teachings about “going to the peripheries”.
“South Sudan can be termed a country in the periphery and Pope Francis wants to be one with them and understand the reality of the people,” the Nuncio said.
“To get the real sense of things and to have better understanding, one needs to be physically present to see the people in eye, and to hear their stories”, he adds.
Archbishop van Megen explained that there could be an inner voice, probably telling him to go to South Sudan so that he shall have done everything he could to bring peace to the people of South Sudan.”
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and the Moderator of Scotland Presbyterian Church will also be present during the visit in South Sudan a gesture which Archbishop van Megen says is a “real example of ecumenism in the Church.”
“With the Pope and the other church leaders visiting, I think Christianity wants to come to South Sudan as a united front saying to the leaders of the country to be committed to serve the people” the Nuncio said.