SOUTH SUDAN: “People Place More Trust in Guns than in Power of Forgiveness,” Says the Vatican Secretary
Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary in Rumbek Diocese
Ginaba Lino
The Vatican Secretary of the State Cardinal Pietro Parolin during his homily in Rumbek Catholic Diocese on Thursday 17, August, 2023, urged South Sudanese to trust in the power of forgiveness than to trust in guns.
Cardinal Pietro, who visited the northern part of South Sudan said many people across the world prefer to hide their guns under the bed and pick them up again when the situation heats up.
“Nations still lift the sword against other nations. There is much training for war. People do not easily get rid of guns; they prefer to hide them under the bed and to pick them up again when the situation heats up.”
He added that violence can erupt so easily and for no apparent reason when people live in a continual state of insecurity and fear.
“We know what it means to live in a continual state of insecurity and fear. Violence can erupt so easily and for no apparent reason.”
To enjoy peace and security in the country requires the commitment of everyone, “Cardinal Pietro Parolin stated.”
He explains that sin makes people weak and fragile because when people live in sin, they live in fear.
“When people live in sin, they live in fear. They may look bold and successful, but it is only a mask. Sin makes people weak and fragile, unable to sympathize with others in their suffering.”
He appeals to the people of South Sudan to always trust in the transformation that comes from the blessing of the risen Lord, then to trust more in their own means.
“We trust more in our own means than in the transformation that comes from the blessing of the risen Lord.”
His Eminence narrated that people need to admit their sins, and abandon their old ways in order to receive the forgiveness of God.
“In order to receive the forgiveness of God and undertake the path of reconciliation, we need to admit our sins, abandon our old ways, our passions and selfish worries, and enter with the risen Lord into the newness of life that he brought us.”
We have to abandon our idols that take the shape of personal honour, prestige in society, and the self-determination that deludes us into thinking that we alone are able to control our own lives, “He encouraged Christians.”
He appealed to the people of South Sudan to give up personal ambitions and understand any harm done to a brother or sister.
“We have to give up personal ambitions and rivalries, and understand that any harm done to a brother or sister, harms all of society and makes peace an unattainable dream.”
The Vatican representative called on the entire people of South Sudan to practice non-violence because it is the only way to overcome divisions and solve any problem arising in the community.
“Indeed, nonviolence is the only way to overcome divisions and solve any problem arising in the community, Pope Francis encourages us in this regard.”
Pietro said despite the inconsistencies within the communities, God has reconciled the world to himself and has given the gift of peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.
“Today, dear brothers and sisters, we gather together in the knowledge that “fear is driven out by perfect love” (1Jn 4:18). We proclaim and celebrate the fact that perfect love has been revealed in Jesus Christ. In him God has reconciled the world to himself and has given us the gift of peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.”
As I visit South Sudan for the third time, I can tell you that I see your enthusiasm and joyful faith. I recognize your great potential, and I assure you of my prayers.
The Vatican secretary concluded his words with a quote of Pope Francis saying: “Dear friends, it is time to move from words to deeds. It is time to turn the page: it is the time for commitment to an urgent and much-needed transformation”.
