By: Ginaba Lino
The Apostolic Nuncio to South Sudan, His Grace Seamus Patrick Horgan, has called on the Catholic Bishops of South Sudan to build upon the legacy Pope Francis left during his historic visit to the country.
Speaking at the Ecclesiastical Province meeting of South Sudan’s Catholic Bishops, Horgan emphasized that Pope Francis’ visit brought a powerful message of peace, urging Church leaders to turn that message into concrete action.
“If the people of South Sudan wish to uphold the Pope’s message, they must make it concrete in their daily lives—only then will the country witness true, lasting peace. Dialogue must become the condition for peace, and the silencing of weapons the fruit of that peace” Horgan stated.
He encouraged the bishops to focus not only on Church-related issues but also on broader societal and national matters.
The Nuncio expressed concern over South Sudan’s ongoing conflict, citing continued bombings, paramilitary mobilization, and road ambushes as serious threats to stability. He described the situation as a “low-intensity war” that has left the country unsettled.
“The country finds itself once again in turmoil. A kind of low-intensity war is already underway.”
He praised Cardinal Stephen Ameyu and other religious leaders for their continued efforts in promoting reconciliation and urged bishops to persist in advocating for peace.
The Nuncio made these remarks during the Sudan and South Sudan Bishops’ annual Plenary Assembly in Juba, expected to conclude on Friday.