By Matik Kueth
South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir on Thursday visited the Vatican Embassy in Juba to pay tribute to the late Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday April 21.
Kiir signed the condolence book, expressing heartfelt condolences, recalling the Pope’s lifelong commitment to peace and harmony.
He described Pope Francis as a true humanitarian and steadfast friend of South Sudan, whose legacy will continue to inspire efforts towards national peace.
In February 2023, Pope Francis became the first pope to visit South Sudan, where he urged the leaders to pursue reconciliation and lasting peace.
The visit followed his unprecedented gesture in 2019, when he welcomed South Sudanese leaders to the Vatican and knelt to kiss their feet, calling for unity and an end to the bloodshed.
The 88-year-old Argentine pontiff passed away due to a stroke, just weeks after spending five weeks in the hospital fighting double pneumonia.
His funeral, scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. (0800 GMT) on Saturday, April 26, will take place in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican and is likely to bring large crowds. His coffin, made of wood and zinc per his prior desire, will be transported into the basilica and then to Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome for a burial.
Kiir emphasized that South Sudan held a unique place in the Pope’s heart, and that his efforts had an indelible impact on the country’s history.
As the nation mourns, the Catholic community have flown flags at half-mast to honor a global symbol of peace and compassion.