By Emmanuel Mandella

In a solemn yet heartfelt gesture of reverence, President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Thursday paid tribute to the late Pope Francis at the Apostolic Enunciator in Juba, honoring a spiritual leader whose unwavering love for South Sudan resonated far beyond religious boundaries.

President Kiir signed the book of condolences, expressing deep sorrow on behalf of the people and government of South Sudan, following the Pontiff’s passing on Easter Monday at the Vatican.

Describing the late Pope as “a true servant of humanity and a steadfast friend of South Sudan,” Kiir praised the Pope’s enduring efforts for peace and reconciliation in the world’s youngest nation.

“South Sudan had a special place in the heart of His Holiness, from the Vatican to Juba, his prayers, his words, and his actions brought hope,” President Kiir said.

The late Holy Father left an indelible legacy in South Sudan. In February 2023, Pope Francis made a historic pilgrimage to Juba, becoming the first Pontiff to visit the country. During that visit, he stood shoulder-to-shoulder with local leaders and faith-based institutions, urging an end to bloodshed and the pursuit of unity. His powerful 2019 gesture kneeling to kiss the feet of South Sudanese leaders during a peace retreat in Rome remains etched in national memory as a symbol of divine humility and diplomacy.

In the days following his death, the Vatican has begun preparations for the Pope’s state funeral, expected to draw global dignitaries and millions of faithful. South Sudanese religious leaders among other leaders, are expected to be represented in Rome as part of the international funeral delegation.

Locally, tributes have poured in from across the Christian community. Churches in Juba and beyond have organized special prayer services, candlelight vigils, and Eucharistic adoration sessions in honor of the fallen shepherd.

“Pope Francis was not just a leader of the Catholic Church he was a father to the broken-hearted,” said Sister Mary Cecilia of St. Theresa’s Cathedral in Juba. “His call for peace in South Sudan was a call for all Christians to stand up for humanity.”

Bishop Hiiboro of Tombura Yambio Diocese added, “The Holy Father carried our suffering in his heart. When he prayed for South Sudan, it was as though heaven itself wept with us.”

The faithful line up daily at parishes to sign condolence books and offer prayers for the repose of the Pope’s soul. The South Sudan Council of Churches has declared a national week of mourning, urging all congregations to hold Masses and prayers dedicated to Pope Francis.

As South Sudan joins the global chorus in bidding farewell to a spiritual titan, the words he spoke in Juba just two years ago still echo with timeless clarity: “May the Lord of heaven bless you, may he grant you peace, and may he never abandon you.”

The burial of Pope Francis is set for Saturday.