The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio has expressed profound gratitude to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops for their message of solidarity following the tragic killing of approximately 200 innocent civilians in Ayod County and Abiemnhom County earlier this month.
In a letter dated March 20, 2026, Bishop Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, who also serves as President of the Integral Human Development Commission of the Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference, thanked the Most Reverend A. Elias Zaidan, Bishop of the Maronite Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon and Chairman of the USCCB Committee on International Justice and Peace, for his deeply consoling letter of March 10.
Bishop Hiiboro wrote that the words of solidarity offered on behalf of the US bishops have truly strengthened the spirits of the South Sudanese Church in this moment of sorrow and trial. He acknowledged that the tragic loss of innocent lives in Ayod and Abiemnhom has wounded the nation deeply, yet emphasized that the fraternal closeness expressed by the American bishops reminds South Sudanese Catholics that they do not suffer alone.
The Bishop noted that the communion of the Church transcends borders and that the message from the US bishops has rekindled courage to persevere in faith, reconciliation, and peacebuilding. Quoting Sacred Scripture, he wrote that if one member suffers, all suffer together, and if one member is honored, all rejoice together, citing 1 Corinthians 12:26.
Bishop Hiiboro expressed profound gratitude not only for the words of support but also for the consistent and generous assistance extended by the Catholic Church in the United States and the American government to the people of South Sudan over the years. He specifically acknowledged humanitarian assistance, pastoral accompaniment, and development aid provided through Catholic Relief Services and initiatives like Solidarity with South Sudan, saying these organizations have stood with South Sudanese people in both their darkest hours and their moments of rebuilding. He described this enduring partnership as a living reality of the Gospel in action.
The Bishop characterized the letter from the US bishops as a Lenten grace, noting that during this sacred season, the Church is reminded of the words of Pope Francis that peace is both a gift from on high and a task to be pursued. He said the solidarity expressed by the American bishops strengthens the resolve of the South Sudanese Church to embrace this mission, to heal wounds, to reconcile communities, and to restore the dignity of every human life.
Bishop Hiiboro also took to heart the pastoral voice of the US bishops, who have consistently affirmed that we are one human family, whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic, and ideological differences. He said this conviction finds concrete expression in the outreach to South Sudan and that the South Sudanese Church is deeply consoled by it.
The Bishop assured the US bishops of continued prayers for them, for the Church in the United States, and for all those who labor tirelessly for justice and peace. He asked that the Lord reward their compassion and commitment abundantly.
In his conclusion, Bishop Hiiboro expressed hope that as the two churches journey together, both nations may be entrusted to the maternal intercession of Mary, Queen of Peace, that she may guide them toward lasting reconciliation and harmony.
The exchange of letters between the US and South Sudanese bishops highlights the universal nature of Catholic communion and the concrete ways in which this spiritual bond translates into practical support and solidarity during times of crisis. The correspondence comes at a critical moment for South Sudan, as the country continues to grapple with cycles of violence, humanitarian emergencies, and the long struggle toward sustainable peace.
The recognition by Bishop Hiiboro of the sustained support provided by American Catholics through organizations like Catholic Relief Services underscores the importance of international partnerships in addressing the complex challenges facing South Sudan. These partnerships provide not only material assistance but also the spiritual encouragement and sense of global solidarity that sustains local churches through periods of profound difficulty.
As South Sudan continues its Lenten journey and works toward healing from recent tragedies, the solidarity expressed between the Catholic Churches of the United States and South Sudan serves as a powerful witness to the universal mission of the Church and the enduring bonds that unite Catholics across continents in the pursuit of justice, peace, and human dignity.
