PAPAL VISIT SOUTH SUDAN: Those Who Unleash War, Violence Betray the Lord, Pope Francis at the Ecumenical Prayer
Andrew Kaufa smm
At the ecumenical service held at John Garang Mausoleum, Juba, on Saturday 4th February 2023, Pope Francis, the Archbishop of Canterbury Most Rev. Justin Welby and the General Moderator of the Church of Scotland Rev. Ian Greenshield have once again reiterated their punchline which is a call for unity and peace in South Sudan.
On his part, Pope Francis who reflected on the figure of Moses whom God used to take the Israelites of the Egyptian slavery, invited the South Sudanese people to pray, leave their past memories behind and commit to renewal of life.
This he did by inviting the congregation to recall the dramatic scene when Moses and the people of God reached the shores of the Red Sea and the chariots of the Egyptian army was closing in on them and relate that to their own experience since the birth of their nation in July 2011.
“Does that not perhaps remind us of the early days of this country, caught between the waters of death, the disastrous floods that hit the country, and the brutal violence of war?” asked Pope Francis.
The Holy Father has urged the people of South Sudan not be afraid but rather to put their trust in God, leave their past memories behind and together commit to move their nation forward in unity, peace and reconciliation.
“Prayer gives us the strength to move forward, to overcome our fears, to glimpse even in darkness,” said Pope Francis who insisted on the need to pray for peace makers, work for it and to journey together in union with God adding, “Indeed, as Saint Paul tells us, Christ is our peace precisely because he restores peace” and “it is he who made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, i.e., hostility between us (Eph.2:14).”
“Dear friends, my brothers (the Archbishop of Canterbury and the General Moderator of the Church of Scotland) and I have come together as pilgrims to be with you, the holy people of God, on your journey. Even if distance separates us physically, we always remain close to you. Let us set out each day by praying for one another, by working together as witnesses and mediators of the peace of Jesus,” concluded Pope Francis as he urged the people of South Sudan to persevere in the journey of love, peace and unity.
Following the ecumenical prayers which took place on the second day of their pilgrimage of peace, the three world religious leaders shall conclude their journey with prayers with their respective congregations on Sunday, February 5, 2023 before their return to their respective countries of residence.
