VATICAN CITY Pope Francis has accepted an invitation to visit South Sudan to preach peace in the country embroiled in inter-ethnic and political strife, religious leaders said after talks with the pontiff on Thursday."He accepted the invitation and said that in principle he really wants to come," said Rev. Peter Gai Lual Marrow of the South Sudan's Presbyterian Church.Marrow and Paulino Lukudu Loro, Catholic Archbishop of the capital, Juba, and Episcopalian Archbishop Daniel Deng Bul Yak held talks with the pope, who had asked them to come to the Vatican to discuss the situation in their country.Oil-producing South Sudan, which became independent in 2011, descended into civil war in December 2013 when a dispute between President Salva Kiir and his sacked deputy Riek Machar ended with fighting, often occurring along ethnic lines. Both sides have targeted civilians, human rights groups say. A peace pact in 2015 ostensibly ended the fighting but has frequently been violated. Major clashes broke out again in July. The pope would also need an invitation from the government to visit the country. South Sudanese mostly follow Christian or traditional animist beliefs.The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights warned this week that South Sudan is suffering a rise in hate speech and incitement to violence against certain ethnic groups which could result in mass atrocities if the government does not act. (Reporting by Philip Pullella Editing by Jeremy Gaunt)
Newer articles:
- Sudan's FM: 'ICC is a court built to indict Africans' - 29/10/2016 08:00
- South Sudanese media association raided - 28/10/2016 14:40
- Japan's New Security Laws Could See First Test in South Sudan - 27/10/2016 13:20
- South Sudan leaders seek Pope's support as they work for peace - 27/10/2016 12:30
- U.N. chief seeks Security Council help with South Sudan rebels in Congo - 27/10/2016 11:31
Older news items
- South Sudan: AU transitional authority is just what the doctor ordered - 27/10/2016 07:29
- South Sudan boy who spent days hiding in a swamp - 27/10/2016 06:19
- Popular music in South Sudan - 27/10/2016 03:28
- S. Sudan President Wants to Increase Number of States - Again - 26/10/2016 10:24
- South Sudan Drafts Country’s First Editorial Guidelines - 26/10/2016 08:43
Latest news items (all categories):
- The power struggles among South Sudan’s political leaders are the direct cause of its ongoing conflict - 11/07/2026 14:03
- Celebrating Independence In The Midst Of Sorrow - 11/07/2026 13:41
- South Sudan resumes oil-backed financing - 11/07/2026 13:33
- Press statement: Strive For National Unity In Honor Of South Sudan's Independence - 10/07/2026 21:23
- Fifteen years of independence for South Sudan, but still little to celebrate - 10/07/2026 21:23
Random articles (all categories):
- Another Snag for Oil from South Sudan - CNBC.com - 22/11/2012 10:50
- UNMISS-funded Terekeka conference brings hope for youth empowerment and political participation - 15/11/2023 07:48
- South Sudanese jittery after Khartoum shuts border - 31/03/2016 18:00
- Experts... appreciate Sudan’s efforts to achieve Peace - 25/02/2019 16:00
- South Sudan Crisis 'Deteriorates' After Six Months of War - 21/06/2014 08:09
Popular articles:
- Who is the darkest person in the world, according to Guinness World Record? - 25/10/2022 02:34 - Read 147769 times
- School exam results in South Sudan show decline - 01/04/2012 17:58 - Read 27843 times
- Top 10 weakest currency exchange rates in Africa in 2023 - 19/07/2023 00:24 - Read 24934 times
- No oil in troubled waters - 25/03/2014 15:02 - Read 24254 times
- NDSU student from South Sudan receives scholarship - In-Forum - 29/09/2012 01:44 - Read 22164 times
