SW News: The Holy Father Pope Francis wrapped up his Apostolic Visit to South Sudan on Sunday, Feb. 5. Earlier in the morning at the papal Mass offered at John Garang Mausoleum in Juba, the pontiff told the 100,000-strong crowd “You are in my heart and you are in our hearts, you are in the hearts of Christians worldwide. Never lose hope. May hope and peace dwell in South Sudan”. These were the parting words of the pope at the conclusion of his ecumenical pilgrimage. 

At the Juba International Airport, President Salva Kiir, ministers, Cabinet members and bishops of the country were present to see off the Holy Father. After bidding farewell to the president and ministers and thanking them for their hospitality, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and other members of the papal entourage boarded the aircraft first. 

Sometime later, President Kiir escorted the Holy Father on the red carpet to the waiting ITA Airways aircraft. The head of the state had a few parting words with the pope near the aircraft. The pontiff then blessed the president before boarding the plane using a hydraulic crane. It was at 11.30 am that the flight took off for Rome. The flight is expected to arrive at Fiumicino Airport at 5.15 local time. 

Earlier during Holy Mass, Pope Francis made a passionate appeal for peace and reconciliation. He acknowledged the faith of the people, the sufferings they underwent and the nation scarred by conflict. He said if the people can become the salt of the earth, peace will return to the country. He also entrusted the nation and its people to the Blessed Virgin Mary, whom he hailed as the Greatest Woman.