Pope Francis concludes his African tour to South Sudan on Sunday. Pope Francis concluded his week-long visit to Africa in Juba, celebrating Mass with a call to peace and praise for the South Sudanese people’s courage.
“When our strength appears paltry in comparison to the magnitude of our problems and the blind fury of violence, we Christians can make a decisive contribution to rewriting history,” the Pope said.
“Let us lay down our weapons of hatred and vengeance in order to pick up those of prayer and charity. Let us conquer the dislikes and intolerances that have grown persistent over time and threaten to pit tribes and ethnicities against one another.”
Meetings were part of the Pope’s tour with President Salva Kiir and other government and civil society leaders, as well as a Saturday visit with displaced people and refugees.
He called for development and humanitarian aid to help those directly impacted by South Sudan’s years of conflict.
Pope Francis made his first trip to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, speaking alongside Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi at a ceremony in Kinshasa last week.
The pope, who was forced to cancel his trip last June, said he was extremely thankful to be visiting as a pilgrim of reconciliation and peace.
I’m going back to Rome bringing you even closer to my heart.
You are in my heart, and in the hearts of Christians all over the world!”
As he left South Sudan, the Pope said. “Never give up hope. And take every opportunity to promote peace in your country.”
