In a strongly worded speech to South Sudan’s leaders, including its war-torn former President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, Francis urged them to renounce violence, ethnic hatred and corruption.
“No more!” They said. “No more bloodshed, no more conflict, no more violence and no more recriminations about who is to blame.”
At the same event, the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said he was sorry that violence had continued following the 2018 peace deal and a meeting at the Vatican in 2019, during which the Pope knelt to kiss the feet of warring leaders and urged them to bring peace. begged for South Sudan.
Welby told the assembled leaders, “I am saddened when I remember the promises you made in 2019. I am sad that we still hear about tragedy like this. We have hoped and prayed Did.
“We cannot pick and choose parts of the peace agreement. Every part has to be done by every person and it costs a lot,” he said, adding, “It is within your reach.”
Kiir said in his speech that his government was committed to establishing peace in South Sudan.