Pop Francis and President Salva Kiir in the Vatican two years ago. Photo credit: Curtesy

The government spokesperson says there is optimism that the Pope’s visit alongside two eminent religious leaders will bring peace to South Sudan.

Michael Makuei described the expected visit by Pope Francis, the Archbishop of the Episcopal Church of Canterbury, Justin Welby, and the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Rt Rev Dr. Iain Greenshields as a good visit.

He told reporters after the regular Council of Ministers meeting on Friday that the government is hopeful that South Sudan will be in peace after the ecumenical visit this week

“We are optimistic that this will be a good visit bringing us peace. This is the mission for peace and harmony, this is the mission of reconciliation and healing and the mission of forgiveness,

“So, we are hopeful that South Sudan will be in peace and harmony and that we will benefit and be blessed by the three religious leaders.”

According to the Vatican, Pope Francis will land in Kinshasa, the capital of DR Congo on January 31, where he will spend two days.

The holy father will make the African trip alongside the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

The long-awaited visit of the Pontiff was canceled in July last year due to health problems.

The historic papal trip will mark the first time a Pope has visited South Sudan, and only the second time a Pope has visited the DRC, which is home to Africa’s most prominent Catholic population.

The government has declared Friday as a public holiday, saying the visit is very important to the country.

Makuei advised the public not to cause chaos during the ecumenical visit.