By Taban Henry
The Speaker of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly is calling on Pope Francis to support the peace process in South Sudan.
This came after the Secretary of State of the Vatican Cardinal Pietro Parolin and his accompanying delegation paid a visit to the South Sudan Transitional National Legislative Assembly on Thursday.
His Eminence Cardinal Pietro who was delegated by the Holy Father to pay a pastoral visit to South Sudan on the postpone Papal visit landed in Juba on Tuesday the 5th July 2022 to convey His Holiness’ 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 IDPs camp in the country as well as flood displaced populations.
Speaking during the short courtesy visit of Vatican Secretary of State to the national assembly on Thursday, Rt. Hon. Speaker of the Parliament, Jemma Nunu Kemba urged the Holy See to rally behind the peace in South Sudan.
Nunu appreciated the love the Catholic Holy Father Pope Francis has for the people of South Sudan.
“We continue to request the office of his holiness to continue supporting the efforts of peace and the support of the government towards permanent peace in the country and mobilize the necessary support the country to achieve this global goal that is peace and permanent stability in South Sudan,” Nunu said.
She lauded the invitation made to the South Sudanese leaders to go to Rome for a retreat in which his Holiness kissed their feet and appealed to the leaders to bring peace to the people of South Sudan so that the dividend, independence and development comes to the citizens.
“We appreciate the decision of his holiness to come to South Sudan though he did not come, we still believe that there is a strong love for the people of South Sudan that is why he sent you to come and represent him, your presence here is his presence and we respect and appreciate you for accepting this mission to come and give us the message of peace and the message of God,” she added.
Speaker Nunu proclaimed that the message of His Holiness Pope Francis of peace and reconciliation to South Sudan is well received by the people.
She assured the Holy See that the parliament will work towards peace and respect the message of his holiness.
“We also on behave of our people appreciate the efforts that has be exerted through St. Ejidio to bring our brothers and sisters who are not part of this agreement on board to join us in the process of achieving peace in South Sudan and we pray that this process is expedited and concluded in a successful manner,” she acknowledged the peace mediation efforts from the St. Egidio community in Rome.