By Taban Henry
The Vatican Secretary of State and Pope Francis’ envoy who visited South Sudan has called on Members of Parliament in the Reconstituted Transitional National Legislative Assembly (R-TNLA) to put the interest of the citizens first in their mandate.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican envoy made his appeal to MPs and leadership of the National Assembly during his short courtesy visit to the R-TNLA following a short invitation from the Rt. Hon. Speaker Jemma Nunu Kumba.
His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin and his accompanying delegation paid a courtesy visit to the South Sudan Transitional National Legislative Assembly on Thursday before presiding a mass at the Dr. John Garang Mausoleum.
The Vatican official, delegated to visit South Sudan by His Holiness Pope Francis on his behalf following his postponed peace pilgrimage, arrived Juba on Tuesday to pass a message of peace and hold prayers in the country.
On Wednesday, the Vatican religious leader traveled to Bentiu, Unity State where he visited the biggest IDP camp in the country as well as flood displaced populations.
Following his visit to witness the livelihoods of the most affected citizens, the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro urged the parliamentarians to prioritize the needs of the people.
“I am aware of your institution or the importance of the parliament in democracy your task is very important because you are representing the interest of the people and the interest of the people is represented in the coat of arms and the motto: Justice Liberty and prosperity,” His Eminence Pietro said.
He said they discussed with both President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Dr. Riak Machar on the steps taken towards unification of the unified forces, police and the constitutional reforms prior the next upcoming election in 2023.
“We rejoice and the Holy Father rejoices for such steps which were taken and at the same time I heard talking with your authorities that there are difficulties impeding the full implementation of the peace agreement and I am sure that by the grace of God and your good will that these things will be delivered,” he assured.
“The Holy Father said to the two principles that there will be many difficulties and obstacles but please go forward don’t remain blocked by these difficulties this will be the possibility for seek of peace to the people of South Sudan” Cardinal Pietro cited his holiness earlier appeals to the South Sudanese leaders.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson for Information Committee in the R-TNLA and Spokesperson of the National Assembly John Agany Deng underscored that his Eminence Cardinal Pietro has reminded them of their duties.
He said peace will prevail in South Sudan by the fact that the Holy See collaborates with the whole nation to bring peace to South Sudan especially those who are still outsides.
“The representative of the Holy See stressed very much about their gratitude’s and their interest to bring peace to South Sudan. we the members of the National Legislature are hereby more than ready to pass our message that we will do all that we can to preserve peace in South Sudan and to serve our people through service delivery” Aganny said.
“So, this time it will never be the same again, we are going to make a U-turn that will bring eminent peace to South Sudan and we will also be taking our rightful place in the world arena,” he added.