On February 3, 2023, Pope Francis made history as he became the first pope to ever visit South Sudan. Hundreds of Catholic pilgrims made the nine-day journey to Juba, the capital of South Sudan, to witness the pope’s historic mission of peace.

The pope used his visit to call on South Sudan’s leaders to end the nation’s long-standing conflict and bring peace to the region. He spoke of the need for unity and reconciliation, urging the nation’s leaders to put aside their differences and work together for the good of their people.

The pope also met with refugees and victims of the conflict, offering words of comfort and hope. He praised the courage of the Catholic pilgrims who had walked nine days to be present for his visit.

Pope Francis’ visit to South Sudan comes at a time when the country is facing its greatest challenge in decades. A civil war has been raging since 2013, and the country remains divided along ethnic lines. Despite a peace agreement signed in 2018, the conflict has continued to simmer, and tensions remain high.

The pope’s visit has raised hopes that the nation can finally find peace. His words of unity and reconciliation have resonated with the people of South Sudan, and many are hopeful that his message will be heeded by the nation’s leaders. Only time will tell if the pope’s visit will bring about a lasting peace in South Sudan.