By Frank Kamuntu
Pope Francis and the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby intend to travel together to South Sudan, if the situation on ground makes it possible for them.
The desire of the Pope and the Archbishop to travel to South Sudan was announced at the end of the visit made yesterday afternoon by Msgr. Welby in the Vatican.
The Archbishop of Canterbury was accompanied by Ian Ernest, archbishop director of the Anglican Center of Rome and representative of the Anglican Communion to the Holy See.
The desire could be fulfilled – as a press release from the Holy See Press Office stated – “if the political situation in the country permits the creation of a transitional government of national unity in the coming 100 days, according to the timing set by the recent agreement signed in Entebbe, in Uganda, it is their intention to visit South Sudan together” .
The communiqué adds that “During the friendly discussions, the condition of Christians in the world was mentioned, as well as certain situations of international crisis, particularly the sorrowful situation in South Sudan”.
Francis had expressed his desire to go to the tormented African country last Sunday, at the end of the Angelus Marian prayer.
This was exemplified by the spiritual retreat of the civil and ecclesiastical authorities of the country, which was held in April at the Vatican.
Archbishop Welby proposed bringing together the highest civil and ecclesiastical authorities of the African country at Casa Santa Marta to Francis with the aim of offering the Church an opportunity for reflection and prayer, as well as for encounter and reconciliation, in a spirit of respect and trust, to those who at this moment have the mission and responsibility to work for a future of peace and prosperity for the South Sudanese people.
