SOUTH SUDAN: “Thank You for Embracing Pope’s Decision, for Embracing Me,” New Apostolic Nuncio in South Sudanese
Auxiliary Bishop at the left and the First Resident Apostolic Nuncio right during his welcoming day to South Sudan
Ginaba Lino
The first resident Apostolic Nuncio to South Sudan has expressed deep gratitude to both government and the people of South Sudan for warmly welcoming his appointment by His Holiness Pope Francis.
Monsignor Seamus Patrick Horgan, who arrived in Juba, described the reception as a strong indication of the country’s embrace of the Holy Father’s decision to establish a resident Nuncio in South Sudan.
“My dear friends, I’m very grateful and very touched by your welcome, I’m happy to see huge number of people who have come to the airport.”
“I realized, of course, that this warm welcome is not just for me but also for the Holy Father Pope Francis, who has sent the first resident Apostolic Nuncio to South Sudan. Thank you for embracing that decision of the Pope and for embracing me,” said Monsignor Horgan on his arrival.
Monsignor Horgan noted that South Sudan holds a special place in the heart of Pope Francis, which is why the decision was made to send a permanent representative to be closer to the people of South Sudan.
“Already, South Sudan is beginning to have a place in my heart, and I know this will be a happy and fruitful mission,” he added.
On behalf of the Sudan and South Sudan Bishops’ Conference and Cardinal Stephen Martin Mulla, the Auxiliary Bishop of the Juba Archdiocese Rt. Rev. Santo Loku Pio, thanked Pope Francis for this significant appointment and highlighted that it is the first time since independence that South Sudan has its own resident Apostolic Nuncio.
“All along, we have had Nuncios, but they resided elsewhere. This is the first time, after the visit of the Holy Father, that we have a permanent representative staying with us here in Juba,” he stated.
Bishop Loku emphasized that the presence of the resident Apostolic Nuncio will strengthen diplomatic relations and support the local Church in South Sudan. “The diplomatic relations with the Holy See, with the presence of a permanent representative, will greatly benefit the local Church of South Sudan,” he noted.
His arrival at Juba International Airport was celebrated by thousands of congregants, including Bishops from other dioceses, priests, nuns, government representatives, Catholic institutions, and traditional dancers before he proceeded on Sunday September 1, to preside over a thanksgiving Mass at St. Theresa Cathedral.
On behalf of the government of the Republic of South Sudan, Ambassador Philip Jada who represented the Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially welcomed the first resident Apostolic Nuncio to South Sudan expressing the government’s commitment to working together with the Nuncio.
“You are welcome to South Sudan, we look forward to working with you in South Sudan and as soon as possible you will be presenting copies of your document to the minister of foreign affairs and meet the president, after you will be welcome to carry out your normal duties in this Country.”
