By Sr. Henriette Anne, FSSA
Following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday 21st April 2025, bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala have urged all the Christians of Tombura-Yambio Diocese and all people of good will to” perform act of charity and service in honor of Popes spirit of compassion”.
The bishop Eduardo called upon all South Sudanese to remember Pope Francis as the Pope who prayed with them, loved them wept with them as people of South Sudan and taught them never to lose hope in God’s mercy.
“Let us always remember Pope Francis as the Pope who loved us, prayed with us, wept with us, and taught as never to lose hope in God’s mercy. His passing is a great loss, but his spirit remains alive in the hearts of all who seek justice, peace, and love”.
The local ordinary of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio (CDTY) noted that Pope Francis was not only a global spiritual leader but a loving father to them South Sudanese stressing that he carried them in his heart with deep affection, his unceasing prayers for peace, his frequent appeals for reconciliation, the extraordinary gesture pf kissing the feet of their political leaders in 2019, and his historic visit to Juba in 2023 were signs of his immense pastoral love and commitment to their nation.
The prelate further in his later shared with Rurugene Online News later on 21st, described Pope Francis’ life as a radiant witness of humility, bold faith, and unwavering solidarity with poor and marginalized, he added that “he walked with the suffering, called the Church to the peripheries, and taught us all to journey together in communion through the path of synodality”.
To honor Pope Francis Pope Francis, bishop Eduardo declared diocesan period of prayer, reflection, and mourning to be observed throughout the CDTY. He called for special requiem Masses in all parishes and institutions, daily Mass intentions for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis and for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the election of the new Pope, recitation of the Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet in families, communities, and schools across the Diocese, Catechesis and reflection sessions on the teachings and legacy of Pope Francis, especially among the youth, and moments of silent prayer before each liturgical celebration during the period of mourning.
