Pope Francis holds meeting with President Salva Kiir in the State-House J1. (Photo: Courtesy).

Pope Francis held a lengthy meeting with President Salva Kiir behind closed doors in the State-House J1, upon his arrival in the country.

The pontiff meets with the presidency, diplomats and church leaders.

The meeting at the presidential palace is the first event of the three days of his busy schedule in the country’s capital.

This is where the Pope is expected to convey a strong message to the peace parties on restoring a lasting peace to the country.

Outside the palace, a large audience of senior government officials including the speaker of parliament, ministers and the two Kings of Azande and Chollo sit and wait for the president and the pope to address the country.

Dozens of journalists from around the world have parked inside the president’s residence, waiting for the speech.

Meanwhile, the Vice President of Uganda, Jessica Alupo arrived to represent President Museveni, who was invited along with Kenya’s President William Ruto and Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed.