President of South Sudan remembers Bishop Mazzolari

The president of the Republic of South Sudan had sent a message of condolences to the Diocese of Rumbek for the death of Bishop Caesar Mazzolari, who died one week ago. The missionary bishop died just seven days after the Republic declared its independence, a goal Bishop Mazzolari worked hard to help achieve.

“He will be remembered as a man of deep faith, humility, and sincerity who served the people of Rumbek with great commitment,” said President Salva Kiir. “It is unfortunate that Bishop Mazzolari departed us just a few days after the declaration of independence of the Republic of South Sudan to which he personally contributed immensely. Through the good work he has done among us, Bishop Mazzolari will be remembered forever.”

President Kiir said Bishop Mazzolari always preached peace and reconciliation.

“I had the privilege of knowing the late Bishop Mazzolari personally, particularly during the days of the liberation struggle,” he said. “He dedicated his life to serving the Catholic Church in the Sudan, and he will be remembered for his heroic commitment to the struggle of the people of southern Sudan for freedom, equality, justice, and human dignity. During the dark days of the liberation movement following the split in 1991, he was always instrumental in trying to mediate and reconcile the antagonistic parties.”

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