Pope Francis is grieved by the recent violence in South Sudan during Lent, as highlighted by the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Horgan. He emphasizes the need for peace and reconciliation, urging South Sudan to turn away from violence. The calls for spiritual conversion and an end to bloodshed resonate throughout the discourse, reflecting the urgent desire for stability in the region.
Recent violence in South Sudan during Lent has prompted deep concern from Pope Francis, as conveyed by the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Horgan. He called on the populace to grant the Holy Father the “gift of seeing South Sudan at peace,” urging a shift towards reconciliation instead of employing violence for political ends. The Nuncio expressed hope that South Sudan might attain a lasting peace that would comfort the Pontiff, who has shown strong affection and concern for the nation.
On March 7, violent clashes resulted in the deaths of numerous troops during an attempted evacuation by a United Nations helicopter in Upper Nile State. These soldiers were vacating the area amidst fierce confrontations between South Sudanese forces and the White Army militia, associated with President Salva Kiir’s political adversary, Dr. Riek Machar. This escalation underscores the ongoing instability affecting the region, which has been plagued by violence and insecurity for several months.
During his homily on March 9, Archbishop Horgan lamented the country’s violent outbreaks, particularly at a time meant for reflection and spiritual renewal, emphasizing Lent’s focus on conversion. He noted, “It is deplorable that lives have been needlessly lost, as we begin what should be a season of spiritual renewal,” highlighting the tragedy of initiating Lent with conflict rather than contemplation.
The Apostolic Nuncio, appointed in May 2024, admonished South Sudan’s Christians against resorting to violence, urging a renunciation of the “arms of war” in favor of spiritual practices such as prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. He emphasized that Lent should serve as a time for deep personal and communal transformation, away from destructive behavior.
Recalling Pope Francis’s earlier exhortations during his February 2023 visit to South Sudan, Archbishop Horgan reiterated the message urging No more bloodshed, encouraging a collective commitment to peace. He expressed a desire for an urgent transformation in South Sudan, advocating for a renewed dedication to peace and reconciliation throughout the nation, as articulated by the Holy Father. The message reflects a continuous call for an end to conflict and a hopeful vision for the future of South Sudan.
In summary, the call for peace in South Sudan during Lent resonates deeply with the aspirations of both the Apostolic Nuncio and Pope Francis. The rising violence serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for reconciliation and the abandonment of conflict as a political strategy. The hope expressed is that South Sudan will embrace peace, aligning with the spiritual aims of the Lenten season, thus transforming its future through collective commitment to non-violence and renewal.
Original Source: www.aciafrica.org
