Vatican unveils logo, motto for Pope’s visit to South Sudan

JUBA – The Vatican City has unveiled a logo and a motto for the expected visit by Pope Francis in July this year.

According to Vatican news, “I pray that all may be one” is the motto of Pope Francis’ Apostolic Journey to South Sudan, which sees him visit the city of Juba from 5 to 7 July.

The Holy Father will first visit the Democratic Republic of Congo from 2 to 5 July, and then proceed to South Sudan.

Elements of logo and motto

The motto is taken from a chapter generally known as the Farewell Prayer or the High Priestly Prayer of Jesus in the Gospel of John chapter 17.

The motto and logo were announced on Wednesday by the Holy See Press Office, which also released the Pope’s 37th Apostolic Visit logo.

The logo contains a dove, the outline of the map of South Sudan with the colours of the flag, the cross, and two clasping hands in a firm handshake.

The dove is placed above the map’s contours, carrying an olive branch to represent the desire for peace.

In the centre of the map are two shaking hands representing the reconciliation of the various ethnic tribes that make up one nation.

On the right is the cross representing the country’s Christian heritage and its history of suffering.

Next to the cross is the inscription “Pope Francis in South Sudan” and the date of the Apostolic Journey.