South Sudanese who turned up to witness the historic ecumenical pilgrimage of peace are hopeful that the country will realize durable peace after Pope Francis visited the nation.
Thousands of Christians from different denominations attended the Mass presided by His Holiness on Sunday.
Some expressed their views saying they have seen the people of South Sudan embracing peace during the ecumenical pilgrimage of peace in Juba.
Others say the ecumenical visit of the Pope has united the South Sudanese and the arrival of global church leaders is a blessing for the country.
Pope Francis arrived in South Sudan on Friday to fulfil his promise for a long-awaited “ecumenical pilgrimage” of peace for South Sudan along with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, and the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Iain Greenshields.
Viola Keji George, a congregant of Holy Queen says from her perspective, the South Sudanese look more united as can be seen by the massive attendance from different denominations.
Keji stated that the people are happy to witness the coming together of the three religious leaders for the first time in history.
“I have learned that the coming of the Pope has united the people of South Sudan. As we have seen, there are many people today attending this historic event,” George said.
She believes that with this Ecumenical pilgrimage of peace initiated by the religious leaders, South Sudan’s political leaders will be able to listen to them and bring peace to the country.
Keji urges the South Sudanese to remain hopeful and live in love and unity. She also asks the citizens and the leadership of the country to prioritize peace.
“People are hopeful that this time, the leaders will be able to listen to the Pope to have an everlasting peace in South Sudan,” Keji added.
One congregant who identifies himself as Daniel says the Ecumenical peace pilgrimage has brought a change of heart among the people including unity, love, and reconciliation.
Daniel urges South Sudanese to desist from hatred and embrace peace among themselves for the good and development of the country.
“I urge the people of South Sudan to stay away from hatred and focus on embracing peace among ourselves,” he says.
Reverend Sister Pascal described the visit of the Pope as a blessing and his message of peace should be kept in heart by everyone.
Sister Pascal believes peace may prevail if leaders listen to the words of His Holiness.
Winny Refuse, a member of the Episcopal Church says she was happy to witness the historic event of three churches coming together to work for peace in South Sudan.
She urges the Christian community to copy the examples of the religious leaders as they unite themselves to stand in solidarity with one another.
Winny says the most important thing is to accept one another and put all the grudges and hatred away.
Reverend Joseph Simbe, a Pastor at the All-Saints Cathedral says people should change their attitudes and hearts to transform the country.
He calls on the political leaders to accept the message of the messengers of God first because God is the source of blessing.
“I would like to urge the political leaders and the citizens of this country to accept the message from the messengers of God first,” Reverend Simbe urged
Reverend Simbe emphasized that people should forgive themselves and open a new page of life with a new beginning and new development.
The congregants expressed their reactions during the three days Ecumenical pilgrimage of peace for South Sudan concluded on Sunday