His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State arrived in Juba on Monday morning on a four days visit to South Sudan.
The Pope’s envoy was received at Juba International Airport by His Grace Bert van Megen the Vatican Ambassador to South Sudan, senior government officials, and Church leaders
His visits came as a response to an invitation from the Bishop of Malakal Catholic Diocese Rt Rev Stephen Nyodho Ador last year.
On Saturday, Archbishop of Juba Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla said the Vatican Secretary will lead a trees plantation program at various sites in Juba as a continuation of the uncompleted tasks left during the visits of Pope Francis to South Sudan last February.
According to Sudan and South Sudan Bishops secretariat, Cardinal Parolin is expected to meet President Salva Kiir Mayardit and his deputy Dr. Riek Machar Teny
The meeting will evaluate the progress being made on peace implementation and encourage them to remain committed to peace in South Sudan.
Cardinal Pietro will visit Malakal to meet the government dignitaries and senior clergymen including those displaced by conflict in Sudan.
In the program, the Pope’s envoy will travel to Rumbek on Thursday for a brief visit which will mark by the celebration of the Holy Mass with the Bishop and Catholic believers
Cardinal Parolin will return to Rome on Thursday 17th August upon his return from Rumbek.