By Adia Jildo
The Mayor of Juba City has called on the leadership of South Sudan to name a road after the visit of Pope Francis. Michael Ladu Allah- Jabu said the hospitality given by the Pope in 2019 for the President of South Sudan H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit and the chairperson SPLM/A-IO Dr. Riek Machar in the Vatican reflected important blessing to the people of South Sudan.
“I propose that a road should be named in his name but I don’t have the power to do that but I forwarded the request to the governor of Central Equatoria State Emmanuel Adil Anthony,” he said.
“At the same time, if it is genuine for us to do that to his holiness, I think that will be referred to H.E. the President for the blessing, and we hope that the name is going to be given to that particular big road,” said Michael Ladu Allah-Jabu.
The two roads that were proposed to be named after the Pope are leading to the Vatican Embassy which include; the road passing from the American residence and the other from the American Embassy.
He called on the public to prepare as the Pope’s visit is a historic visit comprising; the bishop of Canterbury and the Moderator General of the Presbyterian Church.
“We hope that all the churches are prepared be it catholic or other denominations because for us in South Sudan, we are one in religion and our people are one,” said the Mayor of Juba City Michael Ladu Allah-Jabu.
He requested to tarmac roads around Juba to help in the journey of the Pope along Juba Airport to the Kator Cathedral church.
The director in the Office of the President James Deng Wal said the historical visit of the Pope has been a keen interest by the Pope to South Sudan for peace to prevail.
“The Papal reception is a collective responsibility for the people of South Sudan to make sure this is a success,” he said.
Deng said a committee has been formed to help repair the roads and make sure the roads are standard.
“We urge our people, throwing of rubbish or garbage by the road side is forbidden. Our city is very dirty because of our own making,” he said.
Pope Francis will visit South Sudan on the 5th-7th of July as announced by the Vatican Embassy representative for the Apostolic Nunciature Mser Ionut Paul. Mser said the Pope had prayed on the 23rd November 2017, for South Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo for peace to prevail and assured continuity in praying for the two countries till peace prevails.
“Pope Francis will make an apostolic visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo from date 2nd-5th of July visiting the city of Kinshasa and Goma and to South Sudan from the 5th-7th of July visiting Juba,” he said.
Preparation is ongoing as a way to welcome the catholic leader for a celebration of Mass at Dr. John Garang Mausoleum.