JUBA, DECEMBER 16, 2016 (CISA) – The Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya and South Sudan, Archbishop Charles Balvo has urged Christians to be merciful to one another, citing it as a source of everlasting peace.
“Though the Year of Mercy has ended, always be merciful to each other. Being merciful and loving can bring everlasting peace to South Sudan,” Catholic Radio Network quoted the Nuncio as saying.
The Archbishop Balvo noted that Pope Francis was “deeply concerned about the situation in South Sudan and that the people of South Sudan need to embrace reconciliation for lasting peace in the country.”
“God created all of us in his image and he wants us to live peacefully without dying in violence”, he said.
He was speaking at St Mary’s parish in the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio December 15, during his first visit as Pope’s Ambassador of peace, mercy and reconciliation.
His statement comes at a time when Pope Francis released a message December 12, entitled, Non-violence: A style of politics for peace, for the celebration of the Fiftieth World Day of Peace marked January 1, 2017.
In his message, the Pontiff focuses on nonviolence as a style for peace and prays to God to help the entire world to cultivate nonviolence in their personal thoughts and values.
“When victims of violence are able to resist the temptation to retaliate, they become the most credible promoters of nonviolent peacemaking. May charity and nonviolence govern how we treat each other as individuals, within society and in international life,” says Pope Francis.
