Archbishop Séamus Patrick Horgan, the first resident Apostolic Nuncio to South Sudan, has urged the citizens of the world’s youngest nation to honour the legacy of the late pope Francis by striving to build a lasting peace.
Speaking during the opening session of the Juba Ecclesiastical Province Plenary Assembly, taking place from July 7 to 11, Archbishop Horgan recalled the late Pope’s historic visit to South Sudan in 2023. He described the visit as a testament to Pope Francis’ “intense interest and concern for South Sudan and its people,” which, he said, remains “etched indelibly in the history of this young nation.”
“It is touching to hear the many tributes to the deceased Pontiff,” Archbishop Horgan said, “but if we wish to honour Pope Francis in this moment and going forward, we must try to make concrete in the daily life of South Sudan his ardent wish to see a true and durable peace.”
The Apostolic Nuncio lamented the growing instability in the country, noting the resurgence of political tensions since March and the escalation of violence across several regions. “Already, a kind of low-intensity war is taking place,” he said, citing attacks, paramilitary mobilization, and road ambushes as signs of a deteriorating situation.
He also confirmed that Pope Leo XIV has personally conveyed concern over the situation, particularly the loss of life, injuries, and mass displacement of civilians. In meetings with South Sudanese authorities, including President Salva Kiir, the Archbishop relayed the Vatican’s call for a unilateral ceasefire to change the country’s trajectory.
Archbishop Horgan praised the ongoing peace efforts of the Sudan/South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SSCBC), led by Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla, and affirmed the Church’s commitment to promoting reconciliation. “The Church must not tire of repeating this message,” he said. “While we avoid taking sides, we certainly can express our dismay at the suffering of the people.”
He expressed hope that the Plenary Assembly would lead to a united episcopal call for peace, and he commended the collaboration of Catholic and ecumenical leaders working together to heal divisions in the country.
