The Metropolitan Archbishop of Juba Catholic Diocese, Stephen Ameyu Martin has expressed high hope that his heart is filled with joy as the Holy Father, Pope Francis spent 3 days in the country.
The archbishop believes that the visit of Pope Francis is a sign of standing in solidarity with the people of South Sudan and shows them the desire to restore tranquility in this country.
He described the Ecumenical pilgrimage of peace as a bold decision from global Church leaders to witness the suffering of the people due to the consequences of civil war.
“I believe that your visit is a sign of solidarity with us and shows the desire to restore tranquility in this country,” Bishop Ameyu said.
Bishop Ameyu praised His Holiness for demonstrating love and concern in the repeated calls for reconciliation between the warring parties.
His Grace urged the political leaders to work for peace as a common good for Sudan and South Sudan. Ameyu says he is dismayed by slow implementation of the peace agreement saying lack the of political will to implement the deal increases the suffering of citizens
In April 2019, Pope Francis hosted South Sudanese leaders for a two-day spiritual retreat at the Vatican, where he urged the leaders to strengthen the country’s faltering peace process.
The Holy Father knelt and kissed the feet of the South Sudan political leaders as a symbol of humility with an emotional feeling.
The Catholic Archbishop said the war has brought the indiscrimination, and destruction of human lives and the properties such as homes and livestock.
He added that the country continues to experience looting, raping, economic deterioration, and the displacement of countless people, many of whom have fled to neighboring countries.
Stephen Ameyu was concerned that the negative impacts of civil war were on innocent people and called the leaders to make use of pilgrimage.
Archbishop Ameyu was the host of the Ecumenical pilgrimage that concluded on Sunday where thousands of Christians faith in Juba witnessed the historic visit of Pope Francis.