As Catholics across the world mourn the passing of Pope Francis, his enduring legacy in South Sudan—Africa’s youngest nation—has come into sharper focus. Known for his deep compassion, humility, and tireless peace advocacy, Pope Francis played a critical role in pushing for reconciliation and unity in the war-torn country, even in the final weeks of his life.
Francis, who died Monday after suffering a stroke, was revered in South Sudan not only as a religious leader, but as a global figure who personally intervened in the country’s political conflict. His death has sparked a wave of grief and reflection among citizens, clergy, and political leaders who credit him with helping to keep the fragile peace process alive.
A Symbol of Peace in the Heart of Conflict
In the small village of Rejaf, near South Sudan’s capital Juba, a large banner of Pope Francis hangs behind the altar of the chapel at St. Lawrence Minor Seminary. On Thursday, theology students knelt in prayer beneath the image of the late pontiff, their hands clasped tightly, mourning the man who many saw as a symbol of hope.
“Pope Francis was a good shepherd to South Sudan. We have lost someone who deeply cared about us,” said Fr. James Rombe, a 30-year-old priest from the Archdiocese of Juba and vice-rector of the seminary. “Even when he was seriously ill, he never stopped advocating for peace in our country.”
Just last month, while recovering from double pneumonia in a Roman hospital, Francis sent letters to South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar urging them to resolve their differences through dialogue and avoid a return to civil war.
“He gave everything—his prayers, his time, his commitment—to help our people find peace,” Rombe recalled.
A Papal Legacy Rooted in Reconciliation
Francis had long taken a personal interest in South Sudan, a country that has been plagued by violence since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011. A brutal civil war broke out in 2013 between forces loyal to Kiir and Machar, leading to the deaths of more than 400,000 people and displacing millions.
A peace agreement signed in 2018 offered hope, providing for the formation of a transitional unity government. Francis was instrumental in supporting that peace process from afar, regularly encouraging progress through statements and direct correspondence with the country’s leaders.
One of the most defining moments of his papacy came in April 2019, when he hosted both Kiir and Machar at a spiritual retreat in the Vatican. In an extraordinary gesture that stunned observers around the world, the pope knelt and kissed the feet of the two rival leaders, pleading with them to work together for the sake of their people.
“Everyone was shocked,” said Fr. Rombe, who was studying theology in Rome at the time and met the pope on several occasions. “He taught our leaders a profound lesson in humility and what it means to be a servant leader.”
Though the unity government was officially formed in 2020, the full implementation of the peace agreement has been slow and turbulent. National elections, originally scheduled for 2022, have now been postponed until 2026 amid continuing unrest and political deadlock.
Rising Tensions and Fading Hopes
Recent developments have raised alarm about the fragility of the peace. Since January 2025, clashes have erupted between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and Machar’s loyalist troops. Regional mediation efforts have failed, and the United Nations has warned that the country may be sliding back into a “full-blown civil war.”
Despite the escalating violence, both political leaders have acknowledged the pope’s passing with deep sorrow and gratitude for his contributions to the nation’s peace efforts.
“Pope Francis will be remembered as a beacon of hope, compassion, and unity,” said President Salva Kiir in a statement. “His efforts to promote peace in our country have left an indelible mark.”
Riek Machar’s party echoed that sentiment, describing the pope as a tireless advocate for peace. “We are forever grateful for Pope Francis’ efforts. The 2019 spiritual retreat in the Vatican was a pivotal moment that laid the foundation for the peace agreement’s implementation,” the statement read.
Spiritual Influence Beyond Politics
While Francis was a key diplomatic figure, his influence extended far beyond political corridors. For many ordinary South Sudanese, particularly Christians who make up the majority of the population, he was a spiritual guide and a source of comfort during times of immense suffering.
“People here see him as someone who truly understood our pain,” said Sister Teresa Nyang, a Catholic nun serving in a mission outside Juba. “He never gave up on us, and his messages were always full of hope.”
His long-awaited trip to South Sudan—initially postponed due to health reasons—finally materialized in February 2023, when he visited Juba in a historic ecumenical pilgrimage alongside leaders from the Anglican and Presbyterian Churches. The visit brought thousands together and was hailed as a moment of national healing.
“We had never seen anything like it,” said Joseph Okello, a university student who attended the papal Mass in Juba. “He brought together not just Catholics, but all South Sudanese. That’s the power of his legacy.”
A Nation in Mourning, A Legacy to Uphold
As the country reflects on the life of Pope Francis, many hope that his vision for a peaceful South Sudan will continue to inspire its leaders and people. Religious institutions across the country are organizing memorial masses, prayer vigils, and public discussions to honor his memory and renew their commitment to peace.
“He has run his race and fought the good fight for justice and unity,” said Fr. Rombe. “Now, it’s up to us to carry the torch he passed on.”
With the future of the peace agreement still uncertain, many believe that Pope Francis’ teachings and actions will remain a moral compass for the country’s journey ahead.
