Pope Francis (center) meets an internally displaced person during a meeting at the Freedom Hall in Juba, South Sudan, Feb. 4, 2023. (Photo: AFP).

Canadian prelate of the Catholic Church, Cardinal Michael Czerny is set to embark on a seven-day visit to South Sudan from 2nd to 9th February, according to his office.

The trip marking the first anniversary of Pope Francis’ Apostolic Visit to South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo in February 2023.

Cardinal Czerny, the Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, is scheduled to arrive in Juba on February 2 and visits Malakal, and Renk in the following days.

Among the various activities in the pastoral visit, the Cardinal will preside a Eucharist in the Cathedral of St. Theresa in Juba on Sunday, February 4.

He will also lead a Mass in the church of St. Josephine Bakhita in Malakal city on February 8, which is the World Day of Prayer and Reflection against Human Trafficking.

“During the trip, Cardinal Czerny will also visit Renk, on the border with Sudan, and bless a boat that the local Caritas will use to transport migrants and refugees along the Nile River from Renk to Malakal,” reads a statement announcing the visit.

Pope Francis made a historic “ecumenical pilgrimage of peace” to South Sudan on February 3, 2023, fulfilling a long-time wish to visit the war-torn country.

The Pope undertook the trip together with the head of the Anglican Communion, Archbishop Justin Welby, and the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Rt. Rev. Iain Greenshields.

The Holy Father met with political leaders, civil society, and the diplomatic corps in the garden of the Presidential Palace on the evening of his arrival.

On February 4, 2023, Francis met with bishops, priests, nuns, and seminarians at the Cathedral of St. Theresa in Juba, before meeting internally displaced persons at Freedom Hall later in the day.

He then participated in an ecumenical prayer service at the John Garang Mausoleum and on Sunday, February 5, presided at the Eucharist at the John Garang Mausoleum.