PAPAL VISIT SOUTH SUDAN: Government of South Sudan Honors Pope Francis, Names Street After Him
Pope Francis Road in Juba
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
As a sign of honor to the leader of the Catholic Church Pope Francis for his first-ever visit to the Republic of South Sudan, the government has named a road after him which will remain a remarkable gift after the ecumenical pilgrimage of peace.
In appreciation for the kind gesture shown on Saturday, January 28, by President Salva Kiir Mayardit and his first deputy Dr. Riek Machar Teny when the road was inaugurated, Bishop Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala the head of the committee for communication for the reception of Pope Francis said, “We thank our president who has honored the Holy Father by paving the road, tarmacking, naming it after him (Pope Francis road) and eventually opening it for public use.”
Speaking to AMECEA online Thursday, February 2, about the road which begins from a place called Kololo Junction and proceeds to the Vatican embassy in Juba as it passes along the embassy of the European Union and that of the United States, the South Sudanese Prelate noted that the naming of Pope Francis in the country is significant and will remain remarkable forever.
“The presence of Pope Francis will remain forever in the country of South Sudan,” the Local Ordinary of South Sudan’s Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio shared, pointing out that a road has several meanings one of which is being a connector.”
He referenced the scripture where Jesus referred to himself as the “Way, the truth and the life,” and disclosed that the newly opened road has been a marram road for so many years and the Pope’s coming to South Sudan has led to such a blessing of the road being tarmacked.
Consequently, Bishop Hiiboro appreciated the work communication team has done towards the ecumenical visit noting that the communication has been effective especially to keep people abreast about the visit.
“So much has been done since the announcement of Pope’s visit, we have created a website, we have social media platforms, we have connected to catholic radio networks within the country, with the government and other private media houses as well as AMECEA communication to the larger world,” The Bishop said.
He appreciated the work of the media amidst challenges which at time they face, emphasizing that media is key and it must be effective and useful for the good of the people.
