Rome, May 8 (BNA): Pope Francis, whose movement was recently restricted due to a nagging knee problem, is looking forward to a visit to South Sudan in July, according to a joint message from the Pope and the Scottish Archbishop of Canterbury. Church official.
The Vatican on Saturday released the text of the letter, which refers to previously announced plans by Francis to make a pilgrimage to South Sudan from July 5-7, according to the Associated Press.
The Holy See announced two months ago that the Pope would make the last African pilgrimage for his nine-year-old papacy, beginning with a pastoral visit to Congo on July 2.
The letter was addressed to political leaders in South Sudan and was signed by Francis, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and Jim Wallace, Director of the Church of Scotland. The three church officials will visit South Sudan together.
Last summer, Francis Welby marked the 10th anniversary of South Sudan’s independence by urging rival political leaders there to make the personal sacrifices needed to cement peace, and the letter released on Saturday makes that call clear.
The message, published on Saturday, said the path of tolerance and freedom “leads us to a new life, both for us as individuals and for those we lead. It is our prayer to embrace anew in this way, in order to discern new paths amid the challenges and struggles of this time.”
“We also pray that your people will experience the hope of Easter through your leadership. In anticipation of next summer’s pilgrimage of peace, we look forward to visiting your great country.”
On Thursday, Francis, 85, was first seen in public using a wheelchair. He has apologized for the limitations his painful knee ligament disease has caused in his recent activities. For several months, Francis limped poorly and often leaned in the arms of his assistants to move up the stairs, or to sit or get up from chairs after making speeches.
The majority of the population of South Sudan are Christians. Churches helped mobilize international support when South Sudan fought for independence from Sudan, which is overwhelmingly Muslim.
Previously, the three church leaders lobbied for more work to be done to ensure peace and reconciliation in the new East African nation. Francis strived to use his papacy to advance the cause of peace, especially in poor nations.