SOUTH SUDAN: South Sudanese Mourn Pope Francis: A Legacy of Hope, Peace, and Faith
Fr. John Gbemboyo
Across South Sudan, somber prayers and vigil prayers are ongoing in the different Dioceses and Christian communities as the nation mourns the passing of Pope Francis. For many South Sudanese, the Pontiff was more than the head of the Catholic Church. He was a symbol of peace, a shepherd of the marginalized, and a global voice for justice whose personal commitment to their suffering left an indelible mark.
A Pilgrimage of Peace that Touched a Nation
Pope Francis’ historic visit to South Sudan in February 2023, alongside the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Moderator of the Church of Scotland, marked a powerful moment in the country’s history. The pilgrimage of peace was the first of its kind. It was a united Christian mission to a country ravaged by years of civil conflict, displacement, and poverty. It reinforced the ecumenical spirit in the country.
For the people of South Sudan, it was more than a visit. It was a profound gesture of solidarity. He walked with those who had lost everything, listened to survivors of violence, and called for an end to “the bloodshed, the tears, and the suffering of the people.” At the John Garang Mausoleum in Juba, his voice rang out with a message that resonated deeply: “Enough of destruction! It is time to build peace.”
Key Messages to a Nation in Need
During his visit to South Sudan, Pope Francis addressed both the government and its citizens with remarkable frankness and compassion. He strongly urged political leaders to pay attention to their roles as leaders who are called to serve when he said, “Dear authorities, those sons and daughters, and history itself, will remember you if you work for the benefit of these people that you have been called to serve. Future generations will either venerate your names or cancel their memory, based on what you now do.” During the Ecumenical prayers held at John Garang Mausoleum, Pope Francis gave hope to the youth and women who bear the brunt of conflict, not to feel abundant “You are not alone. The world is watching. And God walks with you.” The Pontiff was particular about all categories of people in the society.
A Legacy for South Sudan
Pope Francis will be remembered in South Sudan for his fervent appeal for peace to reign in the country. The kissing of the feet of the political leaders remains imprinted in the minds and hearts of the downtrodden people of South Sudan. His visit to the country confirmed his gesture as a father and a Shepherd who means good for everybody. The Catholic Church leadership was empowered by his historic visit to embrace their commitment to shepherd the people of God and work for peace and reconciliation. One of the Bishops, Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala of Tombura-Yambio, said in his condolence message, “Pope Francis came to us not as a politician or diplomat, but as a father, full of mercy, love, and truth. His legacy is our call to continue being peacemakers.”
Tributes from South Sudan
Many people are paying their tributes to Pope Francis. H. E. Stephen Cardinal Ameyu, the Archbishop of Juba, in his solemn announcement, described Pope Francis as a champion of the cause of the marginalized, an advocate for justice and reconciliation. In their condolences message, the Church leaders of the South Sudan Council of Churches have expressed that they remember Pope Francis with gratitude and admiration for his dedicated efforts to promote healing and unity in South Sudan. The Church leaders pledged to honour his memory by continuing the work he so passionately advocated for: fostering peace, love, and unity in our world. Rev Fr John Loboka who was an immediate translator of Pope Francis during his visit to South Sudan said “the death of Pontiff has moved the whole world including South Sudan where he has left an indelible mark in the hearts and minds of South Sudanese communities for the efforts he made for the realization of peace in South Sudan.”
The main opposition party of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition released a message in which the leadership acknowledges the role played by Pope Francis in pushing for the implementation of peace agreement in South Sudan. The group remembers the Pontiff’s consistent appeal “for the leaders of South Sudan to use peaceful means and dialogue to resolve their differences and ensure the smooth implementation of the Revitalized Agreement for Resolutions of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
A condolence letter signed by the president of South Sudan His Excellency Salva Kiir Mayardith acknowledge that Pope Francis had South Sudan at heart and for this he always reached out and to remind us (the Government) of the importance of peace. The president testified in his letter that “we have lost a true and a humble servant of God, a man who held South Sudan at heart”.
A Beacon of Hope
As the world mourns Pope Francis, South Sudanese Catholics and the whole community in the country remember a man who not only prayed for peace but also came to walk among them in their pain and assured them of his closeness to them. The young people and the Christian community remember the song, which they sang during his visit “welcome Pope Francis to our land, Messenger of peace, welcome to our land”. It as an expression of their hope for the blessing of peace through the visit of Pope Francis.
As Pope Francis has returned to our Heavenly Father, the South Sudan are wondering if the humble gesture of Pope Francis kissing the feet of their political leaders, imploring them to work for peace, and his visit to South Sudan will ever bear fruit.
