Pope Leo XIV has urged South Sudan to promote peace and unity in a recent message. Cardinal Ameyu conveyed this call while reflecting on his discussions with the new pope regarding the country’s challenges. He emphasized the need for prayer and healing to counter the divisive influences in society, highlighting the loss of Pope Francis as a key advocate for South Sudan.
In a heartfelt address to the citizens of South Sudan, Pope Leo XIV has called for unity and peace, urging individuals to foster a spiritual renewal to combat the divisive forces within. At a time when the nation continues to battle internal conflict, the Pope’s message symbolizes hope, emphasizing that faith can be a transformative tool to heal divisions.
The poignant message was conveyed through His Eminence Stephen Martin Cardinal Ameyu during a speech on May 21, just returning from a pivotal trip to Rome following the death of Pope Francis. Cardinal Ameyu engaged with the new pontiff to discuss South Sudan’s pressing challenges, highlighting the urgent need for peace in the region. His words reflect a deep concern for the nation as he acknowledged, “The only advocate that we had was Pope Francis… now he is dead, the task has come to you.”
Cardinal Ameyu expressed his optimism that Pope Leo XIV will carry on the legacy of his predecessor. He recounted their conversation, stating, “Pope Leo said he understands the situation of South Sudan… We must all pray, and pray hard that the evil should go away from our hearts and peace will come tomorrow.” This statement underscores the expectation that the new Pope will advocate for South Sudan’s plight on an international level.
Describing Pope Leo XIV as a globally traveled leader with a profound sense of mission, Cardinal Ameyu pointed out that the Pope has brought the message of peace across various continents, including visits to Africa and countries like Kenya and Indonesia. This experience positions him as a potentially powerful ally for the South Sudanese people.
Upon his return to Juba, Cardinal Ameyu received a warm welcome and immediately engaged with local parishioners at St. Joseph Parish. He shared his reflections on the recent transitions in Church leadership and emphasized the enduring memory of late Pope Francis, whose dedication to South Sudan was deeply cherished. The Cardinal described losing Pope Francis as a significant loss, not just for South Sudan but for the entire Catholic community worldwide. This sentiment exemplifies the ongoing need for spiritual and diplomatic support for peace in a fractured nation.
The message from Pope Leo XIV, conveyed by Cardinal Ameyu, delivers a powerful call for peace and unity in South Sudan amid ongoing challenges. As the new pontiff, Pope Leo’s engagement and commitment could provide much-needed advocacy for the South Sudanese people’s quest for harmony and spiritual renewal. Cardinal Ameyu’s remarks highlight the significance of collective prayer and the necessity of sustaining the legacy of the late Pope Francis in supporting the nation’s path towards peace.
Original Source: communications.amecea.org
