From today to the Vatican, the spiritual retreat of the leaders of South Sudan

Vatican City

Pope Francis approved the proposal presented by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, to organize a spiritual retreat at the Vatican, at the Domus Sanctae Marthae, from 10 to 11 April, in which the highest civil authorities will participate. and ecclesiastics of Sudan. In the south, said the acting director of the press office of the Holy See, Alessandro Gisotti, who had already announced last week the possibility of such an event in the Vatican.

The civil and ecclesiastical participants

From the civil authorities – Gisotti informs – members of the Presidency of the Republic of Southern Sudan will participate in the event which, according to the terms of the agreement "Revitalized Agreement on the resolution of the conflict in the South. Sudan, "was part of the agreement The resolution of conflicts in South Sudan will occupy other positions of national responsibility on May 12: save Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic, and four of the five vice-presidents named: Riek Machar Teny Dhurgon, James Wani Igga and Taban Deng Gai. and Rebecca Nyandeng De Mabior. The eight members of the Council of Churches of Southern Sudan will participate in the retreat of the ecclesiastical authorities of the country. The preachers of the retreat will be mons. John Baptist Odama, Archbishop of Gulu (Uganda), and Father Agbonkhianmeghe Orobator, President of the Conference of Major Superiors of Africa and Madagascar.

Prayer, reflection and reconciliation

This event, both ecumenical and diplomatic, is organized by mutual agreement between the Secretary of State and the Archbishop of Canterbury, with the aim of offering the Church a profitable opportunity to reflection and prayer, as well as reunification and reconciliation. in a spirit of respect and trust, to those who, at present, have the mission and responsibility to work for a future of peace and prosperity for the people of Southern Sudan.

The pope's speech

The retreat will end tomorrow afternoon at 5 pm with the address of the Holy Father. Afterwards, retired participants will receive a Bible signed by Pope Francis, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, and Reverend John Chalmers, former moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland, with the message "Find What Unites." who divides. "Finally, the leaders of Southern Sudan, who will all pledge for peace, will be blessed.