Pope Francis flies back to Italy after 3-day peace visit

JUBA, FEBRUARY 5^th 2023 (SUDANS POST) – Pope Francis has left the country after a three-day visit in which he was joined by the Bishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, and the Moderator of the Church of Scotland, Dr. Ian Greenfields.

“President Salva Kiir Mayardit bids Farewell to His Holiness Pope Francis upon departure at Juba International Airport,” the presidency said in a statement seen by Sudans Post following Pope Francis’ departure.

During his visit to Africa’s youngest country, Pope called for forgiveness among South Sudanese citizens including their leaders.

Just before his departure on Sunday morning, Pope presided at an open-air Mass at Dr. John Garang De Mabior Mausoleum.

The 86-year-old pope wove his homily around the themes that have dominated his trip to the world’s newest nation – reconciliation and mutual forgiveness for past wrongs.

The crowd sang, drummed and ululated as Francis entered the dusty area.

He begged the crowd of about 70,000 people to shun the “blind fury of violence”.