By Baraka John
Church leaders in Western Equatoria State have called on the state government to renew its commitment to peace, drawing inspiration from the historic gesture by Pope Francis, who once knelt and kissed the feet of South Sudanese leaders in a powerful appeal for reconciliation.
During a courtesy visit to the Governor’s office on Monday, faith leaders met with Governor Daniel Badagbu to emphasize the importance of unity, dialogue, and sustained peacebuilding efforts in the region.
The religious leaders recalled the extraordinary moment on April 11, 2019, when Pope Francis knelt and kissed the feet of South Sudan’s political leaders during a spiritual retreat at the Vatican. The retreat aimed to encourage leaders to uphold the 2018 peace agreement and foster national unity following years of civil conflict.
Speaking during the meeting, Archbishop Dr. Samuel Peni of the Western Equatoria Internal Province of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan said the visit was intended to remind state authorities of the people’s deep desire for peace.
“The Pope went on his knees to kiss their feet and said, ‘Brothers, work for peace.’ Today we have come to remind our governor of that historic and prophetic moment,” Peni said. “When the Pope later visited South Sudan, he reinforced the same message. We are here to echo that call, especially as the governor has consistently encouraged peace since assuming office.”
Similarly, Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio described the Pope’s act as a profound symbol of humility, equality, and human dignity.
“Our visit, as representatives of the South Sudan Council of Churches and the broader ecumenical community, is to encourage the government to continue prioritizing dialogue and peace,” he said. “We have come to light the candle of peace at the state headquarters as we remember that powerful gesture by the Pope.”
The 2019 Vatican retreat brought together rival South Sudanese leaders, including President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar. Their earlier conflict in 2013 had triggered a devastating civil war that claimed an estimated 400,000 lives. The retreat sought to strengthen the fragile peace agreement signed in 2018.
In response, Governor Daniel Badagbu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to peace, stability, and reconciliation across Western Equatoria.
“My commitment, and that of the people of Western Equatoria, is to embrace peace,” the governor said. “I call on all citizens to engage in dialogue. The President has already established a national dialogue committee, and we urge the churches to support this process at the state level.”
He further announced an amnesty initiative aimed at encouraging individuals still engaged in conflict to return peacefully.
“We are granting amnesty to anyone who has taken up arms against the government. Whoever wishes to return should do so freely, as they will be welcomed,” he added.
At the conclusion of the 2019 retreat, the 82-year-old pontiff made his now-famous plea:
“I am asking you as a brother to stay in peace. I am asking you with my heart, let us move forward together.”