PAPAL VISIT SOUTH SUDAN: South Sudan need Fathers not Lords, says Pope Francis
Pope Francis arrival
Rose Achiego Ande
The Holy Father Pope Francis on his ecumenical pilgrimage of peace to South Sudan on 3rd, February 2023 has called on President Salva Kiir and the Vice President Riek Machar to shun violence and embrace peace and reconciliation to enable the young Nation to grow and prosper.
“You are called to renew the life of society as pure sources of prosperity and peace, so greatly needed for the sons and daughters of South Sudan. They need fathers, not lords; they need steady steps towards development, not constant collapses, Pope Francis said.
Pope Francis pleaded with the leaders to start building their country by stopping historical bloodshed and destruction of properties adding that war only ravage the country.
“Dear President and Vice-Presidents, in the name of God, of the God to whom we prayed together in Rome, of the God who is gentle and humble in heart (cf. Mt 11:29), the God in whom so many people of this beloved country believe, now is the time to say “No more of this”, without “ifs” or “buts”. No more bloodshed, no more conflicts, no more violence and mutual recriminations about who is responsible for it, no more leaving your people athirst for peace. No more destruction: it is time to build! Leave the time of war behind and let a time of peace dawn!” He said.
The Pontiff added, “Herodotus himself spoke of the intergenerational disruption brought on by war, when children no longer bury their parents, but parents bury their children (cf. Histories, I, 87). In order that this land may not turn into a cemetery, but become once more a luxuriant garden, I beg you, with all my heart, to accept four simple words: not my words, but those of Christ. He himself spoke them in a garden, in Gethsemane, when, to a disciple of his who had drawn a sword, he cried: “No more of this!” (Lk 22:51).
He reminded the people of South Sudan to embrace the freedom they gained when they attained independence after a long struggle. “The sources of this country, and the course undertaken by the South Sudanese people on 9 July 2011, call to mind another word: Republic. Yet what does it mean to be a Republic, a res publica? It means seeing yourselves as truly “public”, “of the people”; it is to declare that the state belongs to everyone; and consequently, those entrusted with greater responsibilities, presiding over and governing it, have the duty to place themselves at the service of the common good. That is the purpose of power: to serve the community,” Pope Francis said.
He also called for economic growth of South Sudan and equitable sharing of resources for the benefit of all. “The abundant resources with which God has blessed this land should not be restricted to a few, but recognized as the legacy of all, and plans for economic recovery should coincide with proposals for an equitable distribution of wealth,” the Pontiff said.
Pope Francis said, the growth of a sound democracy is essential to the life of a Republic, adding that it preserves the healthy distinction of powers in that those who administer justice can do so without interference from those who legislate or govern. He sated that democracy presupposes respect for human rights, upheld by law and the application of law, particularly the right to the freedom of self-expression.
“It should be kept in mind that there is no peace without justice (cf. SAINT JOHN PAUL II, Message for the Celebration of the World Day of Peace, 1 January 2002), but also that there is no justice without freedom. Every citizen, therefore, should be enabled to make the most of the unique and unrepeatable gift of his or her life, and be provided with suitable means of doing so. In the words of Pope John XXIII: “Every human being has the right to life, to bodily integrity and to the means necessary for the proper development of life” (Pacem in Terris, 11).” The Holy Father said.
He prayed that with his ecumenical pilgrimage, an understanding may be reached, and progress be made in moving forward with the Peace Accord and the Road Map that Kiir and Machar had developed.
“In a world scarred by divisions and conflict, this country is hosting an ecumenical pilgrimage of peace, which is something rare; it represents a change of direction, an opportunity for South Sudan to resume sailing in calm waters, taking up dialogue, without duplicity and opportunism. May it be for everyone an occasion to revive hope. Let each citizen understand that the time has come to stop being carried along by the tainted waters of hatred, tribalism, regionalism and ethnic differences. It is time to sail together towards the future!” Pope said.
Pope Francis was accompanied by Archbishop of Canterbury and the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.
