(July 09, 2011) For the first time Saturday the newest nation of the world raised
its flag and the newest president Salva Kiir took the oath of office in the presence
of Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary –General flanked by world leaders, sparking wild jubilant
cheers from the crowds The 193rd country recognized by the United Nations and the
54th U.N. member state in Africa was a reality. Pope Benedict XVI joined the chorus
in wishing the new state “peace and prosperity”. For this solemn occasion, the Holy
Father’s official delegation was headed by Cardinal John Njue, archbishop of Nairobi
and president of the Kenya Episcopal Conference. It included also Archbishop Leo Boccardi,
apostolic nuncio to Sudan, and Msgr. Javier Herrera Corona, secretary of the apostolic
nunciature to Kenya, who gladly toasted the new nation, many of whose citizens are
Catholic.