Activist to continue peace campaign despite abrupt cancellation of Papal visit

JUBA – South Sudan’s civil society organization, Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), has said that it will continue its peace campaign despite an abrupt cancellation of the visit by Pope Francis to South Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo, wishing the head of the Catholic a quick recovery.

Yesterday, a press official for the Holy See announced the cancellation of the trip by Francis, 85, upon recommendations of his doctors who are concerned by his health as he experience a knee problem.

In a statement, CEPO said it wishes the Pope good health and quick recovery.

“Community Empowerment for Progress Organization wishes Holiness Pope Francis good health and quick recovery. Although the postponement was disturbing but health of His Holiness is paramount, it is almighty God plans for the visit of Holiness Pope Francis to be successful,” CEPO statement reads in part.

Edmund Yakani, the Executive Director of CEPO says “since communication on the postponement clearly indicating that the interest of the global spiritual leaders will visit South Sudan in later date to be determined, this message made our hopes still alive since in the future we will be expecting the visit of His Holiness pope Francis and other spiritual leaders.

“CEPO initiative of Remember the Kiss of Pope for Peace will continue in engaging the public in South Sudan on the spiritual power of His Holiness Pope Francis wishes for visiting our country.

“The global spiritual leaders visit will motivate our political elites to offer chance for peace to prevail through the implementation of R-ARCSS and genuine commitment for using Rome Peace Process for realization of lasting and durable peace and stability in South Sudan. Mr. Yakani stressed

“Finally, CEPO will be utilizing the initiative of Remember the Kiss of Pope for Peace as a strategy of maintaining the wish of His Holiness and other spiritual leaders alive till the date in future they will visit South Sudan in almighty God wish.”