By Ginaba Lino
The first resident Apostolic Nuncio to South Sudan has expressed deep gratitude to both the Government and the people of South Sudan for warmly welcoming his appointment by His Holiness Pope Francis.
Monsignor Seamus Patrick Horgan, who arrived in Juba, described the reception as a strong indication of the country’s embrace of the Holy Father’s decision to establish a resident Nuncio in South Sudan.
“I realized, of course, that this warm welcome is not just for me but also for the Holy Father Pope Francis, who has sent the first resident Apostolic Nuncio to South Sudan. Thank you for embracing that decision of the Pope and for embracing me,” said Monsignor Horgan during his arrival.
Monsignor Horgan noted that South Sudan holds a special place in the heart of Pope Francis, which is why the decision was made to send a permanent representative to be closer to the people of South Sudan.
“Already, South Sudan is beginning to have a place in my heart, and I know this will be a happy and fruitful mission,” he added.
On behalf of the Sudan and South Sudan Bishops’ Conference, and Cardinal Stephen Martin Mulla, Auxiliary Bishop of the Juba Archdiocese, Santo Loku Pio, thanked Pope Francis for this significant appointment.
Bishop Loku highlighted that this is the first time since independence that South Sudan has its own resident Apostolic Nuncio.
“All along, we have had Nuncios, but they resided elsewhere. This is the first time, after the visit of the Holy Father, that we have a permanent representative staying with us here in Juba,” he stated.
Bishop Loku emphasized that the presence of the resident Apostolic Nuncio will strengthen diplomatic relations and support the local Church in South Sudan.
“The diplomatic relations with the Holy See, with the presence of a permanent representative, will greatly benefit the local Church of South Sudan,” he noted.
According to the program, Monsignor Horgan will preside over a thanksgiving mass on Sunday at St. Theresa Cathedral.
His arrival at Juba International Airport was celebrated by thousands of congregants, including Bishops from other dioceses, priests, nuns, government representatives, Catholic institutions, and traditional dancers.