Despite the efforts, the war continues and local bishops have warned that the conditions for peace are still lacking. After several failed attempts due to his worsening health, Pope Francis visited the country in February 2023, when he held a private audience with the leaders of the two warring factions and begged them to come together in peace and put an end to the violence. Kiir promised the pope he would renew the peace negotiations.
The first-ever elections to take place in the country, long postponed due to conflict, are planned for 2024.
During his visit to South Sudan, Parolin participated in several tree planting ceremonies, which he said symbolize the need to invest in the future, especially young people in the country, and to focus on their development and the care of creation.
Young people are the “future of this country, the future of humanity, the future of the world and they should feel very committed to preserving this common home,” the cardinal said in an interview with local media.
Parolin is scheduled to take part in a tree planting ceremony at the St. Theresa cathedral in the Archdiocese of Juba before returning to Vatican City on Thursday.
This article originally appeared here.
 to promote the pontiff’s peace efforts in a country that has been embroiled in a bloody civil war.){kind=link}