Pope to use visit to remind country's leaders of their responsibility to consolidate peace

The Vatican is sending a message of hope and peace ahead of the Pope’s visit to South Sudan. Pope Francis, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church are set to visit South Sudan from the 5th to the 7th of July. The Holy See representative to Kenya and South Sudan His Grace Bert Van Megan says the visit is meant to stand in solidarity with the people of South Sudan after years of conflict and remind the country’s leaders of their responsibility to bring an end to the suffering of the people of South Sudan. His Grace Bert Van Megan says preparations are in high gear for the two day visit. 

The Pontiff’s visit was at the invitation of the national government. His visit follows a notable gesture when he knelt and kissed the feet of President Salva Kiir, First Vice President Riek Machar, Vice President Rebecca Garang, and Vice President Taban Deng Gai during a visit to The Vatican in 2019.