As South Sudan’s 2018 peace agreement teeters between failure and progress, the death of Pope Francis has become a poignant moment for the nation’s leaders to reflect on their promises to never return the country to war.
On Monday, the Vatican announced the passing of Pope Francis at the age of 88. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, confirmed the Pope’s death from Casa Santa Marta.
The Holy Father’s demise comes at a time when South Sudan’s peace agreement faces significant challenges, including armed confrontations between signatories and the detention of opposition leaders, such as Dr. Riek Machar, the First Vice President.
While the nation joins the world in mourning Pope Francis, many South Sudanese citizens have called on their leaders to seize this moment to end hostilities and prioritize peace.
A Legacy of Commitment to South Sudan
Pope Francis’ dedication to South Sudan’s peace process was most vividly demonstrated during a 2019 spiritual retreat at the Vatican.
In a stunning act of humility, despite chronic leg pain, the Pope knelt to kiss the feet of President Salva Kiir and his rival, Riek Machar, pleading for them to honor the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement.
This agreement aimed to end a brutal five-year civil war that claimed approximately 380,000 lives and displaced millions.
In February 2023, Pope Francis fulfilled his long-standing promise to visit South Sudan, embarking on an ecumenical “pilgrimage of peace” alongside the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, and the Moderator of the Church of Scotland, Iain Greenshields.
Calls for peace amid mourning
Following the Pope’s passing, stakeholders have urged South Sudan’s leaders to end violence and restore stability.
Amer Manyok Deng, chairperson of the South Sudan Women Bloc, called on President Kiir and other leaders to focus on peace as a way to honor the late pontiff.
“I pray for Pope Francis and the entire Church that they may find strength and comfort in His love. My thoughts and prayers are with Pope Francis. May our leaders be guided by his wisdom and grace as he was committed to our peace,” Amer said.
She emphasized that Pope Francis’ death should inspire unity and trust-building among South Sudanese leaders and citizens.
Ter Manyang, Executive Director of the Centre for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), echoed these sentiments, urging leaders to remember the Pope’s symbolic “kiss for peace” and prioritize the implementation of the 2018 peace agreement.
“The image of Pope Francis kissing the feet of South Sudanese political leaders in 2019 serves as a powerful reminder that lasting peace and security must be prioritized in South Sudan,” Ter said.
He added that the Pope’s visit to South Sudan was a genuine effort to encourage justice, reconciliation, and unity among the divided nation, and that it should not go in vain.
Faith leaders join the call
David Makuei, a Catholic priest, called on South Sudan’s leaders to honor Pope Francis by doubling their efforts toward peace.
“As we mourn the Holy Father, we need to ensure that we cease violence, focus on love and peace. Our leaders must remember what Pope Francis told them and respect his legacy as they mourn,” Makuei said.
He also urged faith-based leaders to unite believers, emphasizing that the Pope’s death should serve as a symbol of unity and peace, reflecting his lifelong preaching.
A solemn announcement
The Catholic Archdiocese of Juba issued a heartfelt statement on the Pope’s passing. Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla described Pope Francis as a champion of justice, reconciliation, and mercy.
“It is with deep sorrow that I announce the passing of our Holy Father, Pope Francis, who passed away this morning at 7:35 A.M. in Vatican City,” the statement read.
The Cardinal highlighted the Pope’s contributions to the Church and the world, urging South Sudanese to join in prayer and honor his legacy.
Meanwhile, President Salva Kiir expressed profound sorrow, hailing the late pontiff as a “beacon of hope, compassion, and unity” whose tireless efforts to foster peace in South Sudan left an enduring legacy.
