· Vatican City ·

Joint message to Political Leaders of South Sudan

A way of forgiveness and freedom is possible

 A way of forgiveness and freedom is possible  ING-019
13 May 2022

Ahead of their “pilgrimage of peace” to South Sudan, scheduled for 5-7 July, Pope Francis, the Archbishop of Canterbury and Primate of the Anglicans, Justin Welby, and the Moderator of the Church of Scotland, Jim Wallace, have sent a joint message of Easter Greetings to the country’s political leaders. After the Christmas greetings of past years and last July’s message for the 10th anniversary of South Sudan’s independence, this message is the fruit of the historic encounter that took place on 10-11 April 2019, between South Sudan’s religious and political leaders and Pope Francis, Archbishop Welby and the-then Moderator of the Church of Scotland, John Chalmers. The following is the English text of the joint message which was released on Saturday, 7 May.

Easter 2022

Your Excellencies,

In this Easter season, we write to share with you our joy as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who shows us that a new way is possible: a way of forgiveness and freedom, which enables us humbly to see God in each other, even in our enemies. This path leads to new life, both for us as individuals and for those we lead.

It is our prayer that you will embrace afresh this way, in order to discern new avenues amid the challenges and struggles at this time. We pray too that your people will experience the hope of Easter through your leadership.

In anticipation of our Pilgrimage of Peace this coming summer, we look forward to visiting your great country.

Franciscus
Justin Welby
Jim Wallace

 

Their Excellencies
The Political Leaders of
South Sudan