Vatican Cardinal Secretary of State arrives in South Sudan

JUBA — The Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, arrived in Juba this morning.

Parolin was received by senior Presidential advisor – Kuol Manyang Juuk and Minister for Defence Angelina Teny at Juba International Airport.

The pope’s representative is expected to meet President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar later today.

He will visit Bentiu IDP camp on Wednesday, and hold a holy mass at the Dr. John Garang Mausoleum on Thursday and at the St. Paul Seminary on Friday.

He is also expected to visit Catholic University and Usratuna on Friday before he departs.

Speaking to reporters upon his arrival at Juba International Airport this morning, Parolin said Pope Francis didn’t come to South Sudan due to health problem and reiterated his willingness to visit the world’s youngest country.

“Pope Francis couldn’t come because of his health condition but his will is to arrive one day to South Sudan and to make the visit he has promised to do,” Parolin told reporters in Juba on Monday.

“It is a great joy for me to be with you and to be able to stay for a few days to celebrate and pray to meet people on behalf of the Holy Father Pope Francis.”

Kuol Manyang Juuk, Senior Presidential Advisor expressed the happiness of the people of South Sudan to receive Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

“South Sudan feel blessed right away from the time His Holiness Pope Francis made the decision to come and visit South Sudan,” Manyang said.

Manyang said the arrival of Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin to Juba is a blessing to South Sudan.

“The whole government is happy to receive him and he will see the President today (Tuesday) and the population of Juba and South Sudan and all the Catholic Churches are happy for his visit.”

The visit of Cardinal Pietro Parolin, to Juba, came after Pope Francis postponed his Apostolic Journey to those African nations due to intense knee pain and at the insistence of his doctors.