Archbishop Horgan, the Apostolic Nuncio in South Sudan, expressed Pope Francis’s grief over recent violence in the country. He called for peace and reconciliation, highlighting the tragic conflict that marred the Lenten season. The Nuncio urged Christians to reject violence, embracing spiritual renewal instead, and reiterated the Pope’s messages from his visit in February 2023, emphasizing a desperate need for change and peaceful coexistence.
Recent violence in South Sudan has elicited a deep sense of grief from Pope Francis, expressed through the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Horgan. The Archbishop urged the South Sudanese populace to provide the Pope with the cherished vision of a nation at peace, abandoning the use of violence as a political means. He emphasized the importance of reconciliation to offer comfort to the Holy Father, who harbors significant affection for the country.
The situation escalated on March 7, following Ash Wednesday, when violence claimed the lives of numerous soldiers during a United Nations evacuation operation in Nasir, Upper Nile State. The South Sudanese troops were under attack amid ongoing clashes between government forces and the White Army militia. This incident highlights the increasing strains and instability in the region, marked by months of conflict.
In a homily delivered on March 9, Archbishop Horgan lamented the violence occurring during Lent, a season meant for penance and spiritual combat. He expressed sorrow over the bloodshed that characterized the beginning of this essential time for reflection and renewal within the Church.
The Apostolic Nuncio admonished Christians in South Sudan to reject violence, encouraging them to embrace prayer, fasting, and almsgiving as weapons of spiritual strength. He reiterated the urgent need for a transformation away from violence, particularly during Lent.
Reflecting on Pope Francis’s visit to South Sudan in February 2023, Archbishop Horgan recalled the Holy Father’s poignant message urging an end to bloodshed and conflict. The Nuncio reiterated Pope Francis’s call to build a foundation for peace, positioning the need for reconciliation and a new beginning at the forefront of their mission. This message of peace encapsulated the Pope’s vision for South Sudan and serves as a rallying cry for the nation’s future.
In summary, Archbishop Horgan’s statements transcend mere lamentation over the violence in South Sudan during Lent. They call for a collective commitment to peace, urging the populace to shift away from conflict and towards reconciliation. The Apostolic Nuncio’s references to Pope Francis reinforce the urgency of this message, emphasizing the need for profound transformation as South Sudan navigates its challenges.
Original Source: www.aciafrica.org
