The famous Juba Catholic retired Archbishop Paulino Lukudu Loro (pictured) has died aged 81. Catholic Archdiocese confirmed in a statement on Monday morning that the cleric died while receiving treatment at a Kenyan hospital in Nairobi.

The statement from the church read: “I, your shepherd, by God’s will and design, bring to you the saddest news of my entire life-time: My predecessor and Father, His Grace Archbishop Paolino Lukudu Loro, a star that ceaselessly was shining over our church and nation for well over thirty years has this morning flickered out in the Kenyan capital city Nairobi.”

The church added the cleric’s death is a huge blow not only to the faithful but to the whole nation.

To this effect, the diocese has ordered four days of mourning effective April 5, 2021, today.