By Yiep Joseph
Citizens expressed optimism as Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin returned to Juba from Rome, Italy. Cardinal Ameyu attended the burial of Pope Francis and the conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV.
His return to Juba on Tuesday attracted many South Sudanese to Juba International Airport, symbolizing their love for faith-based leaders. Upon arrival, Cardinal Ameyu, who attended the conclave in Rome for the first time, proceeded to St. Joseph Parish, where over 2,000 believers gathered to welcome him.
At Juba International Airport, faithful and members of the public happily lined up to receive Cardinal Ameyu. Despite the distance, many traveled from far areas like Gudele and Newsite to be part of the welcome.
The events, which began at the airport and continued to St. Joseph Church, signified unity among South Sudanese towards their faith-based leaders.
Addressing the congregation at St. Joseph Church immediately after his arrival from Rome, Cardinal Ameyu revealed that he met with the new Pope and urged him to work for peace in South Sudan.
“I spoke to him (Pope Leo XIV) personally and told him that the people there need peace. The only advocate we had was Pope Francis, and now he is gone. The task has come to you (Pope Leo XIV),” he said.
“He (Pope Leo XIV) acknowledged our situation and told me that we must pray. All of us must pray hard, and we must remove evil from our hearts for peace to come, whether today or tomorrow,” he added.
Cardinal Ameyu called on South Sudanese to always pray, emphasizing that with prayer, everything is possible, including the return of peace.
On his part Father James Lado expressed Joy citing that Ameyu return from Rome shows strengthen as it was mission accomplished since new Pope was elected.
Father James Lado expressed joy, noting that Cardinal Ameyu’s return from Rome was a sign of strength, indicating that the mission was accomplished with
Father Lado added that Cardinal Ameyu’s participation in decision-making in Rome, such as the election of the new Pope, signifies global recognition.
“This occasion shows that we are not far from Rome; we are very close. The cardinal is like a radio—anything the Pope wants to convey to South Sudanese will come through him,” he said.
“We are very happy that Cardinal Ameyu’s appointment is a symbol of God’s love and promise for us,” he added.
Father Charles Busak expressed that, despite the journey of sorrow to Rome, Cardinal Ameyu returns with a message of hope from the new Pope.
“He (Cardinal Ameyu) went for a funeral, and now he is coming back with good news from the Pope,” he said, calling on South Sudanese to embrace peace, noting that they have suffered greatly because of war.
“Some of our children have not seen peace, and we need peace; they have been wondering because what they see is different from what they hear,” he stated.
He appealed to Almighty God to touch the hearts of politicians, encouraging them to engage in dialogue rather than confrontation.