South Sudan’s “scars of conflict run deep” Cardinal Says, Highlights Church’s Role as “beacon of hope”

“The Church must not only lament the violence but also actively engage in initiatives that foster dialogue, understanding, and healing,” the South Sudanese Catholic Church leader, who was one of the three Africans created Cardinals during the 30 September 2023 Consistory in Rome said.

He said that Church leaders in South Sudan have “a unique opportunity to be mediators and advocates for justice, to be a voice of hope, not despair.”

As Church leaders, he went on to say, “our pastoral ministry must include outreach to those affected by violence, supporting them with compassion and practical aid.”

Credit: Credit: Catholic Radio Network (CRN)/Ginaba Lino Michael/Juba

He encouraged Church leaders in the 14-year-old East African nation to continue collaborating with the government, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and interfaith groups to create a platform for dialogue in view of realizing reconciliation in the country.

“The Gospel calls us to be agents of peace, and it is our duty to embody this in our communities,” he said, and continued, “In the face of adversities, our commitment to nurturing future leaders of the Church remains paramount.”

In his opening remarks at the meeting set to end Friday, July 11, Cardinal Ameyu also underlined the need for the formation of Minor Seminarians. Such formation, he said, “is very essential for sustaining the spiritual and intellectual vigour in our Dioceses.”

“These young men are not just future Priests; they are future leaders who will guide our communities through all these difficult times,” he explained, adding, “We must ensure that their formation is holistic, integrating spiritual growth with intellectual development and pastoral practice.”

Credit: Credit: Catholic Radio Network (CRN)/Ginaba Lino Michael/Juba

According to the South Sudanese Cardinal, mentorship programs, spiritual retreats, and community service opportunities should be woven into the training of future Priests to foster spiritual growth in candidates for the Priesthood and Religious Life.

Investing in the training and formation of future Priests would help these candidates carry “the torch of faith, hope, and love into a post-conflict South Sudan” and make people of God in South Sudan promoters of hope, said the Local Ordinary of Juba, whose transfer from Torit Diocese to the country’s only Metropolitan See was met with resistance from a section of the Clergy and Laity of Juba Archdiocese.

 As South Sudan strives for justice in communities, Cardinal Ameyu said that the establishment of a tribunal in regions of the country is significance and would go a long way in “addressing grievances, ensuring accountability, and promoting restorative justice.”

He further advocated for the creation of a system that listens to the victims of the conflicts in the country while also offering a path to reconciliation for the offenders.

By facilitating such processes, he said, “we can embody Christ's message of forgiveness and healing, encouraging individuals and communities to move beyond mere retribution towards genuine restoration.”

Credit: Catholic Radio Network (CRN)/Ginaba Lino Michael/Juba

(Story continues below)

The Local Ordinary of Juba, who doubles as the President of the Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SSS-CBC) since his installation in January 2024 went to laud the role of Caritas South Sudan in fostering peace in the country, describing Catholic Church entity as “a vital expression of our Church's commitment to charity and social justice.”

He said that the relationship between Caritas South Sudan and Caritas at the level of Dioceses should be one of mutual support and collaboration.

“While the national entity can provide essential resources, training, and collaboration, let us ensure that their efforts are harmonized, maximizing our impact on alleviating poverty, providing education, and offering humanitarian assistance,” the South Sudanese Cardinal explained.

In doing so, he said, “we can cement our role as a Church that cares deeply for the marginalized and the vulnerable, boldly living out the Gospel call to love our neighbours as ourselves.”

On pastoral priorities, the Cardinal said, “We must ask ourselves: what does God desire for His people in South Sudan?”

Pastoral priorities need to be “rooted in prayer, reflection, and dialogue among ourselves and with our communities,” he said. In his considered opinion, educating the faithful in the “foundational teachings of the Church is crucial in this moment.”

The South Sudanese Cardinal underlined the need for the Church to enhance engagement in social justice initiatives and “address systemic issues contributing to violence and division.”

The Church should also prioritize enhancing the role of women and youth within communities, recognizing their invaluable contributions as builders of peace and agents of change.

It is also important to reflect on past celebrations in the country, including the 2024 Eucharistic Congress and the Golden Jubilee celebration of the Hierarchy, which he said have been “a monumental occasion in our journey.”

The double celebrations, he said, “have allowed us to reaffirm our commitment to the Eucharist, which is the source and the summit of our faith. These celebrations have united us in purpose and inspired renewed dedication to our pastoral mission.”

“Let us harness the momentum generated by these events to deepen our communion as a Church and fortify our shared mission to evangelize and serve the people of South Sudan,” he said.

Cardinal Ameyu added, “We can build a brighter future for our Church and our nation—one founded on justice, peace, and unwavering love of Christ."

"May God bless you all, and may Our Lady, Queen of Peace, intercede for us,” he implored.