Cardinal Peter Turkson has said he is praying for peace and warned against a globalization of indifference on arrival in Juba, South Sudan.
Speaking to the faithful during a reception at Joseph Parish old Church on Tuesday, he said that he came to Juba to join the South Sudanese in praying for peace, CRN news reported.
He added that Pope Francis teaches all people in the world to get involved in seeking lasting peace and that “we should not globalize indifference”.
The Apostolic Nuncio to South Sudan, Archbishop Charles Daniel Balvo, described the presence of Cardinal Tukson as a boost to peace in the country. Archbishop Paolino Lukudu Loro of South Sudan warmly welcomed the Cardinal, telling him to feel at home among his people of Africa.
CRN also reported that the Bishop of Yei, Erkulano Lodu Tombe, represented the bishops of South Sudan in welcoming the cardinal. He said the presence of Cardinal Turkson in Juba showed the great concern and solidarity of Pope Francis and the whole universal Church for the fledgling country.
He added that the Ghanaian cardinal’s visit came at a propitious time, and prayed that it bring blessings to country which has suffered politically-motivated violence in recent months.
Cardinal Turkson was received by many Christians at St Joseph Parish old Church with ululations and songs of joy, CRN reported.
Today the cardinal will celebrate Mass and dedicate a new parish church. Tomorrow he is to meet bishops, clergy, religious and laity and the following day he will meet President Salva Kiir and the Episcopal archbishop of South Sudan and Sudan, Daniel Deng Bull.
He is then scheduled to celebrate Mass at St Theresa’s Cathedral Kator on Sunday March 23 and depart for Rome the following day.
