The new Cardinal-elect welcomed his appointment into the new position by the Pope saying it is the work of God to elevate the church in South Sudan.
Stephen Ameyu Martin stated that the elevation is not for the single person, but for the whole Church of Sudan and South Sudan.
The cardinal-elect said, “This elevation is not for a single person, it is an elevation for the whole church and so it is important for us to reflect this church to this level.”
For Ameyu, the elevation of the church by the Pope means giving a new challenge to the South Sudanese faithful despite the numerous difficulties the church is undergoing.
For Ameyu, the work of the cardinal remains to serve the whole church and emphasizes on the Universality of the Catholic church.
The Cardinal-elect highlighted that the Holy Father, Pope Francis has always seen the people of South Sudan with hope and that is why perhaps he was appointed.
“The Holy Father has seen your faces, the faces of the people of God in South Sudan and would like to appreciate the hope that shines in our faces and through this election, we are put to the spotlight,” the Archbishop expressed.
According to Ameyu, there are a lot of expectations from the people of South Sudan but the role is a continuation of their previous work.
Ameyu stated that being the first Cardinal in South Sudan came because of the faith of believers in South Sudan.
He expressed that God loves the people of South Sudan and that is why the elevation of the church in South Sudan is very important.
He prays that this appointment strengthens the faith of the South Sudan people and hopefully the church continues to receive this kind of great news.
Archbishop Ameyu was nominated as a cardinal by Pope Francis on Sunday alongside 20 other new cardinals and they are expected to be installed in a ceremony known as “The consistory” that will be held on 30th September this year in the Vatican.