South Sudan joins world leaders at papal inauguration in Vatican

JUBA – As dignitaries from around the around the world converge at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican City today for the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, South Sudan joins in, represented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Mr. Monday Semaya Kumba departed Juba on Saturday for an event described as the “Mass for the Beginning of the Petrine Ministry of Bishop Leo XIV of Rome”.

“Hon. Amb. Monday is honoured to represent His Excellency President Salva Kiir Mayardit and the people of South Sudan at this significant event,” said the ministry in a statement.

The inauguration marks the formal commencement of Leo’s pontificate as the 267th pope and the first American pope in the Catholic Church’s history.

Prominent leaders and representatives expected at the event include United States Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, representing the British royal family. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is also expected to attend.

From Africa, at least three heads of state are likely to be in attendance. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Kenya’s William Ruto, and Bola Tinubu of Nigeria are all poised to be at the Vatican.

The inaugural event holds profound significance for South Sudan, a nation with a growing Catholic population and a history of seeking papal support amid ongoing challenges.

As the world’s youngest country, plagued by civil conflict, poverty, and humanitarian crises, South Sudan views the new pope’s leadership, rooted in his Augustinian missionary background and emphasis on peace and service to the poor, as a beacon of hope.

Pope Leo XIV’s prior engagement with African communities, including his visits to Nigeria, resonates with South Sudanese Catholics, who hope his pontificate will continue the Church’s advocacy for peacebuilding and humanitarian aid, as seen in Pope Francis’ 2023 visit to Juba.