Advertisement New WaysNew Ways Would you like to advertise on ICN? Click to learn more.

Archbishop of Canterbury to lead spiritual retreat for South Sudan leaders at Vatican

  • Vatican News

Pope Francis and Archbishop of Canterbury

Pope Francis and Archbishop of Canterbury

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, will be in the Vatican this week to lead a retreat for civil and ecclesiastical authorities of South Sudan.

Pope Francis has approved the proposal presented by the Archbishop of Canterbury, His Grace Justin Welby, to organise a spiritual retreat to take place in the Vatican, within the Domus Sanctae Marthae, from the 10-11 of this month of April, in which the highest civil and ecclesiastical authorities of South Sudan will participate.

A statement released by Alessandro Gisotti, interim Director of the Holy See Press Office, said that representing the civil authorities in the event, are the members of the Presidency of the Republic of South Sudan, who, under the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan, will assume positions of great national responsibility this coming 12 May: Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic, as well as four of the five designated Vice Presidents: Riek Machar Teny Dhurgon, James Wani Igga, Taban Deng Gai and Rebecca Nyandeng De Mabior.


Occasion for Encounter and Reconciliation

This event, both ecumenical and diplomatic at the same time, was organised by mutual agreement between the Secretariat of State and the Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury. It has the goal of offering on the part of the Church a propitious occasion for reflection and prayer, as well as an occasion for encounter and reconciliation, in a spirit of respect and trust, to those who in this moment have the mission and the responsibility to work for a future of peace and prosperity for the South Sudanese people.


Pope Francis to conclude the retreat

The conclusion of the retreat will take place on the afternoon of Thursday, 11 April, when, at 5:00pm, the Holy Father will speak. Following that, those participating in the retreat will be given a Bible, signed by His Holiness Pope Francis, by His Grace Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, and by the Reverend John Chalmers, former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland, with the message "Seek that which unites. Overcome that which divides". At the end, the leaders of South Sudan, who will take up the common task for peace, will receive the blessing.

Adverts

The Archbishop Romero Trust

We offer publicity space for Catholic groups/organisations. See our advertising page if you would like more information.

We Need Your Support

ICN aims to provide speedy and accurate news coverage of all subjects of interest to Catholics and the wider Christian community. As our audience increases - so do our costs. We need your help to continue this work.

You can support our journalism by advertising with us or donating to ICN.

Mobile Menu Toggle Icon