President Kiir Joins Thousands to Honor Pope Francis at Special Service in Juba
In a heartfelt tribute to the late Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday, President Salva Kiir Mayardit joined hundreds of Christians at St. Theresa Cathedral in Juba for a special memorial service honoring the Pope’s life and legacy.
During the service, President Kiir reflected on Pope Francis’s enduring messages of forgiveness, tolerance, and reconciliation—principles that resonate profoundly with religious communities in South Sudan and across the globe. The President expressed his gratitude for the Pope’s historic visit to South Sudan in February 2023, which rekindled hope for lasting peace and unity in the region.
“Pope Francis has left an indelible mark on our nation’s journey toward reconciliation,” President Kiir stated. He described the Pope as a steadfast friend and a beacon of hope and compassion for South Sudan.
The congregation also heard from Dr. Justin Badi Arama, the Archbishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church, who emphasized the necessity for South Sudanese to adopt the spirit of love and reconciliation that Pope Francis championed.
The Mass was led by Archbishop Séamus Patrick Horgan, the Apostolic Nuncio to South Sudan, who praised Pope Francis as a devoted servant of God and a champion of peace. The service served as a powerful reminder of the Pope’s impact on the world and, in particular, on the quest for harmony in South Sudan.
