The South Sudan Bishops’ conference in a statement has confirmed pope Francis papal visit to South Sudan and DR. Congo postponed.
The archbishop of the catholic arc diocese of juba Stephen Ameyu Mulla said he was shocked by the sudden postponement of the pope’s visit to South Sudan after the church has gone far with the preparations.
On Friday afternoon the Vatican news reported pope Francis has postponed his Apostolic visit to South Sudan and the democratic republic of Congo due to his ongoing knee treatment.
Addressing the press on Friday afternoon, the archbishop of the catholic Arch diocese of Juba Stephen Ameyu Mulla describe the news as sad and disturbing.
‘’we received a very disturbing news, a sad news but not very sad. That the planned visit of the holy father pope Francis to South Sudan and Congo has been postponed because of his health condition’’. He regrets.
The charge de affair vat Vatican embassy Ionut Straejac read the said the planned visit of the holy father has not been cancelled.
He encouraged the people of south Sudan to continue preparations to receive the pope any time after he recovers.
‘’the trip has not been cancelled it is postponed and it is occasion for us to pray for the health of the holy father and to continue preparing to receive him, in this country South Sudan where he wants to come, he is determined to come, and we look forward to seeing the holy father here in Juba’’.
Ionut urged the Christian to continue praying for the pope’s health.
Pope Francis was expected to visit the Democratic Republic of Congo and to South Sudan from the 2nd to the 7th of July.