Pope Francis tells South Sudan to lay down arms
Pope Francis has called on leaders from South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo to ‘store their arms’ and allow peace to prevail in the two countries.
“The tears that you pour on the earth and the prayers that you raise to heaven are not useless. The consolation of God will come because He has plans of peace and not of destruction,” Pope Francis said in his video address to Kinshasa and Juba on Saturday
The pontiff appealed to South Sudanese and Congolese to keep alive a beacon of hope assuring that God would answer their prayers with the realisation of lasting peace.
“It is necessary to lay down arms, overcome resentment and write new pages of brotherhood.”
The Head of the Roman Catholic Church called on politicians to champion peaceful coexistence and forgiveness above all for development to gain its ground.
“You have a great mission, all of you, beginning with the political authorities: that of turning the page to open new paths, the paths of reconciliation, paths of forgiveness, paths of serene coexistence and development.’’
He said he would soon visit the two countries to restore hope and contribute to the realisation of peace and stability.
“And my thoughts go to South Sudan, to the cry for peace by its people, who, tired of violence, await for concrete facts from the process of national reconciliation to which I desire to contribute,” he said.
“I would like to say to you: do not let yourselves be deprived of hope! You are so dear to me, think of how more precious and loved you are in the eyes of God who never ignores all who place their hope in Him.”
Pope Francis urged the leaders to invest in the youth so that they can have a hardworking generation to lead the nation into a vibrant future.
Secretary’s visit
His address came barely after the Vatican’s Charge d’Affaires, Ionut Paul Strejac, said the Pope’s visit to South Sudan and DRC had not been cancelled for good.
He said the coming of Vatican State’s Prime Minister and Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin to Juba was not a replacement for the Pope’s planned visit.
Paul said the coming of Parolin was a preparation for the Pope’s visit, as the date set for his visit was too close for his ailing knee to heal.
“We have good news, that the Holy Father will send his Secretary of State that is the Prime Minister of the Vatican, to come to Juba, to show his closeness to the people of South Sudan, in preparation for his forthcoming visit,” Paul said on Friday.