Pope Francis receives President
of Republic of South Sudan
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| Pope Francis receives the President of the Republic of South Sudan (Vatican Media) |
The Holy See Press Office gives details of Pope Francis’
meeting with the President of the Republic of South Sudan in the Vatican.
By Vatican News
On Saturday, March 16, 2019, Pope Francis received in
audience His Excellency Mr. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of
South Sudan. The President subsequently met with the Vatican Secretary of
State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who was accompanied by Archbishop Paul
Gallagher, Vatican Secretary for Relations with States.
According to the communique published by the Vatican Press
Office, the cordial discussions highlighted the good bilateral relations
between the Holy See and the Republic of South Sudan, as well as the
contribution of the Catholic Church in the educational and health field, and in
the process of reconciliation and reconstruction of the Nation.
Other issues touched on included questions concerning the
implementation of an agreement recently reached by various political elements,
with a view to the definitive resolution of the conflict, the return of
refugees and displaced persons, and the integral development of the country.
In this context, Pope Francis expressed the wish that
conditions for a possible visit to South Sudan might be met, as a sign of
closeness to the people and encouragement to the peace process.
It is not the first time the Pope has said he wants to visit
the Republic of South Sudan. In 2017, he hoped to make an ecumenical visit to
the country along with the Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby. The
trip had to be called off because of security reasons.
South Sudan gained independence in 2011, becoming the
world’s newest country, but has faced a series of challenges since then,
including an ongoing civil war between government and opposition forces.
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