By Bosco Bush
Following Pope Francis’s historic visit last year, South Sudan has welcomed first Apostolic Nuncio, marking a step in strengthening diplomatic relations with the Holy See.
H.G. Archbishop Seamus Horgan, appointed by the Pope, arrived on Thursday, August 29.
He was warmly received by various church leaders, senior government officials, and members of the public.
Upon his arrival, Archbishop Horgan expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work with the people of South Sudan, representing the Holy Father and fostering deeper ties between the nation and the Vatican.
“I realized of course that this is welcome 2 for the just you’ve for the Holy Father, Pope Francis in sending his first Resident Nuncio to South Sudan,” he said upon arrival at Juba International Airport.
“You know that when the Pope came to you last year, he said South Sudan has a very special place in his heart and so I think he wanted to send a resident representative so that his presence will be here in a most stable manner and that’s my presence I supposed to represent to,” said Horgan.
South Sudan has never had a permanent apostolic nuncio representative in its history. Instead, it has been represented by regional nuncios.
Auxiliary Bishop, Santo Laku Pio echoed the same – saying the appointment of the Holy See permanent representative to South Sudan will boost its diplomatic ties.
“All along we have had Nuncios but those Nuncios were residing elsewhere. It’s for the first time after the visit of the Holy Father that he has now appointed for us a permanent representative staying with us here in Juba,” he said.
“We are happy to receive you among us. It will of course boost the diplomatic relations with the Holy See with the presents of the permanent representative as in your person,” Pio stated.
Before officially taking off his duties, H.G. Horgan will be expected to present his credentials to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Thereafter, the Minister will forward it to the office of the President for confirmation.