JUBA JUNE 9, 2017(CISA)-The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio and President of Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SCBC), Barani Eduardo has called on the citizens of South Sudan to work towards peace in the country.
“We, as the SCBC urge all our faithful and the entire people within the country to strive and promote peace in his or her own capacity! Be that agent of change needed in South Sudan! Pray a lot more in sincere repentance of heart with the aim of consolidating peace in the country,” Vatican radio quoted the Bishop as saying June 6.
The bishop called on the citizens of South Sudan to heed to the calls of Pope Francis “who has always yearned to see our country embracing peace.”
He said that Pope Francis for a very long time now has been so much concerned about South Sudan and its people.
“Pope Francis continues to remind us of the cost of war, particularly on the powerless and defenseless, and urges us towards the imperative of peace,” said Bishop Eduardo.
He said that there was still optimism that the scheduled visit by the pope to his country has not been put off completely.
“Our great desire, hope and expectation as the SCBC for the Sudan and South Sudan is that, the visit of the Holy Father hasn’t been put off completely, but the pastoral visit will be reconsidered and that South Sudan as a new nation will be graced by His Holiness Pope Francis,” Bishop Eduardo said.
In February, Pope Francis announced that his staff were, “Studying the possibility” of a visit to South Sudan.
However, late last month, the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Greg Burke told media that Pope Francis had postponed the trip.
The director said while the trip is still being considered, it is not for this year.
South Sudan Bishops would continue to look forward to a day Pope Francis would visit the country.
