Monitoring Desk
JUBA: Pope Francis has urged the South Sudanese political leaders to stop the bloodshed in the country and embrace peace.
The pope made the call after a meeting with President of South Sudan Salva Kiir at the Presidential Palace after arriving in Juba, the capital city, on Friday afternoon.
“No more bloodshed, no more violence, no more conflict, and mutual recriminations concerning who is responsible for the bloodshed, no more leaving your people athirst for peace,” Pope Francis counseled. “Dear president and vice president, in the name of God, the God in whom so many people of this beloved country believe, of the God to whom we prayed all together in Rome, and of God who is gentle and humble in heart.”
Pope Francis calls for rebuilding South Sudan
Pope Francis said it is time to say “No more to bloodshed” without “ifs” or “buts.”
He asked South Sudanese leaders to stop further destruction and rebuild their country.
“No more destruction; rather, it is time to build! Leave the time of war behind, move forward, and let the peace prevail,” he appealed.
According to the pope, future generations will either revere the names of political leaders or cancel their memory due to their work for the country.
“Dear authorities, those daughters and sons and history itself will remember you if you work for the benefit of this person you have been called to serve,” Pope Francis said.
On his part, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, asked both church and political leaders to be generous and propagate God’s grace in the people they lead and serve.
