SOUTH SUDAN: Newly Appointed Nuncio for South Sudan, a Sign of Pope’s Care for Local Church, Says Bishop
Bishop Mathew Remijo of Wau Diocese, South Sudan
Ginaba Lino
The Deputy Chairperson for the Commission of the Clergy and Religious at Sudan and South Sudan Bishops’ Conference, and the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Wau, have described the Newly appointed Apostolic Nuncio for South Sudan Reverend Msgr. Séamus Patrick Horgan, as a sign of Pope Francis’ care for the people and the Church in South Sudan.
Bishop Mathew Remijio Adam said it is historical for the Catholic Church and the people of South Sudan to have their own Nuncio based in the country for the first time since the country gained its Independence in July 2011.
“My dear people of God in the Catholic Diocese of Wau, I’m very grateful to share the joy of the Catholic Diocese Wau with you and with the entire people of South Sudan upon the appointment of New Nuncio to South Sudan,” The Local Ordinary of Wau Diocese said in the May 17 Interview.
He stated that the appointment would strengthen the relationship between the local Church in South Sudan with the Holy Father, adding that his presence as a Nuncio is a blessing because the local Church has been waiting for the appointment of the resident Apostolic Nuncio for South Sudan.
“This is the answer to our request: as Bishops of South Sudan, we requested that the presence of the Nuncio is very important because many issues can be addressed by him,” the Local Ordinary Catholic Diocese of Wau since his Episcopal Consecration in January 2021 Emphasized.
In a press release on 14th May 2024, the Holy Father appointed the Msgr. Séamus Patrick Horgan the enunciator counsellor, as Apostolic Nuncio resident in South Sudan, at the same time elevating him to the titular see of Árd Sratha, with the dignity of Archbishop. He will be a resident Vatican Ambassador representing the Holy See in South Sudan.
Most Rev. Séamus Patrick Horgan was born in Ennis, Ireland, on 31 August 1969. He was ordained a priest on 11 June 1994, and incardinated in the diocese of Killaloe. He holds Licentiate in Canon Law.
Most Rev. Sèamus entered the Holy See Diplomatic Service on 1 July 2005, and has served in the Pontifical Representations in Uganda, Switzerland, the Philippines, in the Section for Relations with States and International Organizations of the Secretariat of State, and finally at the Apostolic Nunciature in the United States of America.
This move continues to demonstrate the closeness of the Holy Father Pope Francis to the Church and the people of South Sudan.
