Cardinal Peter Turkson (white-robed and waving) is welcome by senior government officials in Juba - Mar 18, 2014.

A representative of Pope Francis is calling for peace and an end to violence in South Sudan.

Cardinal Peter Turkson, who is also the Vatican’s President of Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, is in the country to preside over the launch of a new catholic church in South Sudan.

He is expected to meet President Salva Kiir today.

Cardinal Turkson, a Ghanaian, told journalists at Juba international airport that South Sudanese should seek justice through peaceful means.

“In the search for justice and peace, we need to lay ourselves at the top of what will make us not to regret,” said Cardinal Turkson.

“I bring the prayers and come to join the people of South Sudan in praying for peaceful settlement and outcome of the situation which you find yourselves.”

Cardinal Turkson is also expected to visit one of the states affected by the conflict before departing for the Rome.