Pope sends Christmas greetings to
South Sudan leaders
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| Pope Francis shakes hands with the President of South Sudan Salvar Kiir |
Pope Francis joins UK church leaders to send Christmas
greetings to the political leaders of South Sudan, wishing peace and prosperity
upon the conflict-torn nation.
By Devin Watkins
Christmas is often a time for sending messages of warmth and
well-wishes to those we would prefer to see in person.
Pope Francis took part in that age-old tradition by sending
Christmas greetings to the people and political leaders of South Sudan.
Like most holiday messages, this one was not written alone.
The Pope was joined by Archbishop Justin Welby, the Anglican
Archbishop of Canterbury, and Reverend John Chalmers, Moderator of the General
Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland.
Peace and prosperity
“In this Christmas season and at the beginning of a new
year,” they write, “we wish to extend to you and to all the people of South
Sudan our best wishes for your peace and prosperity, and to assure you of our
spiritual closeness as you strive for a swift implementation of the Peace
Agreements.”
The country’s president, Salva Kiir, and opposition leader,
Riek Machar, signed a peace deal in 2018 in a bid to end the 5-year civil war,
and agreed to form a unity government.
Path of reconciliation
Pope Francis and the two Protestant leaders also encouraged
South Sudan’s politicians to continue with efforts toward national unity.
“We raise our prayers to Christ the Saviour for a renewed
commitment to the path of reconciliation and fraternity,” they write, “and we
invoke abundant blessings upon each of you and upon the entire nation.”
“May the Lord Jesus, Prince of Peace, enlighten you and
guide your steps in the way of goodness and truth, and bring to fulfilment our
desire to visit your beloved country.”
Papal visit in 2020
Pope Francis announced in November that he intends to visit South Sudan in 2020.
So these Christmas greetings could be soon followed with a
long-awaited meeting in person.
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