The Vatican on March 23, 2022, released the motto and logo for the Pope’s South Sudan Visit.
Pope Francis will visit Kinshasa and Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) from July 2-5, before traveling to Juba, in South Sudan, from July 5-7, 2022.
The motto “I pray that all may be one” is taken from the “Priestly Prayer of Jesus” (Jn 17).
The logo portrays the dove, the contours of the map of South Sudan with the colors of the flag, the cross, and two hands shaking.
The dove carrying an olive branch
Over the contours of the map of South Sudan is placed the dove, which carries an olive branch to represent the desire for peace for the country.
Map
Below the dove are the outlines of the map of South Sudan with the colors of the country’s flag.
Hands shaking
Within the map, two clasped hands represent the reconciliation of the tribes that make up one nation.
Cross
On the right, the cross represents 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.
South Sudan
South Sudan is the world’s newest nation, having gained its independence in 2011. Since 2013 however the country has seen war and devastation as warring parties fight for power. President Salva Kiir and Riek Machar, the former rebel leader, clashed leading to a civil war that left 400,000 people dead.
In 2018 the two sides signed a peace agreement, bringing the war to an end. However, since then, there has not been peace in Sudan, as agreements and treaties continue to be broken.
Pope Francis has been tireless in pushing for peace in the world’s newest nation. In April 2019, He invited South Sudan’s leaders to the Vatican for an Easter summit, stunning onlookers when he knelt down and kissed their feet in a humble plea for peace.
From 21 to 23 December, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher was in Juba, to meet South Sudanese political and religious authorities ahead of a possible papal visit.
With the Holy Father’s visit now confirmed, Pope Francis will be the first Pope to travel to South Sudan.
