Pope Francis during his visit to South Sudan|Photo|Courtesy

Pope Francis is deeply committed to ensuring that both justice and peace flourish in South Sudan, the Juba-based Vatican Ambassador has said.

Archbishop Séamus Patrick Horgan, reflecting the Holy Father’s hopes for the country’s progress and unity, emphasized the significance of the Jubilee Year.

He paid a courtesy visit to the Chief Justice, Chan Reec Madut, to deliver a message of the Holy Father, Pope Francis.

The clergy quoted Pope Francis who stated, “Peace is a work of justice”, to stress the desire of the holy father for peace and justice to prevail in South Sudan.

“The Pope’s message for the 1st of January which is International Peace Day. The Pope always publishes a message and this year, the Pope took that message.

“He stated that message from the fact that we have entered a Jubilee year as well, and he recalled that the purpose of the Jubilee year is to try to restore God’s justice in all areas of life .

“So on the basis of that insight into the purpose of the Jubilee year, the Pope said that peace of course is a work of justice and of course the Pope is very anxious to see that both justice and peace flourish in this new country” he spoke on state-run TV, SSBC during a meeting with Chief Justice Chan Reec Madut.

Meanwhile, Chief Justice Chan Reec Madut expressed his gratitude for the Pope’s message, noting its significance for the judiciary.

“I’m going to share this message with all my colleagues in the judiciary, across and beyond Juba.

‘It’s wonderful. It’s a very powerful message and I think it is a blessing of the new year. The relationship is already between us.

“Whatever issues we think are important to be discussed will always come together”, he said.

In early February, 2023, Pope Francis arrived in South Sudan on his first trip to South Sudan where he was joined by the head of the Church of England and the Church of Scotland Moderator on a pilgrimage of peace.

The Pope  had arrived just a day after when 27 people were killed in communal violence in Kajo-Kekji County of Central Equatoria State.