Pope Francis grieves the violence in South Sudan as highlighted by Archbishop Horgan. The call for peace arises amid escalated violence involving government forces and militia. The Archbishop urges renouncing violence for spiritual conversion during Lent, echoing the Pope’s previous calls for reconciliation and commitment to peace in South Sudan.
During Lent, Pope Francis expressed grief over the violence in South Sudan, as highlighted by the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Horgan. He called on South Sudanese to offer the Holy Father the gift of peace, urging a departure from using violence as a political tool. The Archbishop emphasized that reconciliation could alleviate the Pope’s concerns for the nation he holds dear.
On March 7, violence escalated when a UN helicopter was attacked while evacuating soldiers in Upper Nile State, amid ongoing clashes involving government forces and the White Army militia tied to political rival Dr. Riek Machar. The incident marks the latest tension in a region plagued by insecurity for months.
In his homily on March 9, Archbishop Horgan lamented the violent start to Lent, a season traditionally recognized for penance and conversion. He expressed sorrow that the sacred time of spiritual renewal was marred by bloodshed, stressing the necessity of inner transformation away from violence.
The Apostolic Nuncio urged Christians to abandon acts of war, suggesting they adopt spiritual practices like prayer, fasting, and almsgiving instead. He recalled Pope Francis’s previous message during his February 2023 visit, reiterating a call for the cessation of violence in South Sudan.
Archbishop Horgan quoted the Pope, emphasizing, “now is the time to say: no more of this.” He reinforced the need for peace and reconciliation, urging South Sudan to abandon war for a collaborative future. The message was a plea for commitment to transforming the nation through dialogue and understanding, moving toward a hopeful peace.
The article highlights the ongoing violence in South Sudan, particularly during Lent, and the concern expressed by Pope Francis and Archbishop Horgan. They emphasize the urgent need for peace and reconciliation in the nation, calling for an end to violence as a political tool. Christians are urged to engage in spiritual renewal instead of conflict, framing Lent as an opportunity to transform hearts and society.
Original Source: www.aciafrica.org
