Bishop Christian Carlassare and his congregations arrived Juba on Thursday, having painfully trekked from Rumbek. (Photo: Thomas Makorou).

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Rumbek who led dozens of pilgrims to Juba ahead of Pope Francis arrival in the country, says they overcame temptations to board a vehicle despite the exhausting journey.

The believers covered the 300-kilometer distance from the Lakes State capital Rumbek to Juba on Thursday.

“Of course, walking is tiring, the legs are paining, there is a temptation to get a car, temptation to get a shortcut. But I think when we are together and we have an idea that makes us to walk together,” Carlassare said.

“We were also able to bear the pain and be in solidarity with each other, share some water share a sweet, talk together and of course when we talk about what is in our hearts and share along the way, kilometers become short and hours walk become less.”

Pope Francis will arrive in Juba today, February 3, along with the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Moderator-General of the Scottish Church.

The pontiff will meet President Salva Kiir, his deputies and foreign diplomats on the first day of the visit before meeting internally displaced persons from Juba camps.

Bishop Carlassare and dozens of faithfuls had walked for eight days to Juba to attend the Mass on Saturday on Sunday.

The religious leader said despite the temptation to travel by car or find short-cuts to Juba, they endured the journey on foot.

He said the pilgrimage was successful due to solidarity among the faithful. The bishop however said they will go back by car.

“We will go back by car of course, but we will continue walking to the communities, the message of the Pope has to be taken to those areas where they never listen to these positive messages.”

“Let us think about the cattle camps and all those places where people are marginalized. It is not a message to be kept in our drawers or in our rooms, but to be shared with everybody.”

Both Lakes and Central Equatoria State governments provided security and logistical support to the pilgrims.

He spoke to media upon arrival at the Dr. John Garang Mausoleum in Juba this afternoon.