Arop Jonchol
President of the Republic of South Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit, paid his respects following the passing of Pope Francis during an official visit to the Vatican Embassy in Juba on Thursday. President Kiir signed the book of condolences, expressing the nation’s profound sorrow and praising the late Pope’s unwavering commitment to peace and service to humanity.
Pope Francis held a unique bond with South Sudan, making history in 2023 as the first pontiff to visit the country, delivering powerful messages calling for peace and reconciliation. In a deeply moving gesture in 2019, the Pope knelt and kissed the feet of South Sudanese leaders during a meeting at the Vatican—an unprecedented act urging unity and national healing.
President Kiir described the late Pope as a “true friend of the people of South Sudan,” affirming that his legacy will remain deeply embedded in the nation’s conscience and its journey toward lasting peace.
Flags across the country have been flown at half-mast in mourning, as the nation unites in grief over the loss of a global spiritual leader who touched the hearts of millions, especially in South Sudan.
