Fr. Lombardi S.J. editorial : From Khartoum to Juba

"The Sudanese, with the freedom to choose, will succeed in finding a constitutional formula which will make it possible to overcome contradictions and struggles, with proper respect paid to the specific characteristics of each community." " It is difficult at this moment not to think of all the prayers and sufferings of those affected by the continuing conflict in this land, especially in the South. So many of you came originally from there, and are now homeless and displaced because of the war. The immense suffering of millions of innocent victims impels me to voice my solidarity with the weak and defenceless who cry out to God for help, for justice, for respect for their God–given dignity as human beings, for their basic human rights, for the freedom to believe and practise their faith without fear or discrimination. I earnestly hope that my voice will reach you, Brothers and Sisters of the South". "The winds of change blowing in Africa are demanding renewed structures of economic and political organization, structures which will genuinely respect human dignity and human rights." It was February 10, 1993, and John Paul II was at the end of an intense and extraordinary day in Khartoum, where with his usual and extraordinary courage, he addressed the dramatic themes of justice and freedom in the presence of the governing authorities and was greeted with incredible enthusiasm by an immense crowd of Sudanese Catholics, for the most part displaced people from the south, fleeing from the violence of a civil war without end.
It's been 18 years, an estimated two million people died and four million were displaced, but now there are hopes that the war really is over and that the new Republic of South Sudan, desired by an overwhelming majority of its inhabitants, can start a new chapter in peace. The representatives of the Pope and the Secretary General of the United Nations, the bishops of various countries and heads of state are gathered in Juba for the proclamation of independence.
Despite its resources, at the beginning it will be one of the poorest countries in the world and will have to face very difficult problems for its internal unity, but its people hope - and all of us with them – to be able to build a future of freedom and peace. The mysterious and extraordinary vitality of the people of Sudan – which exploded that night in Khartoum before John Paul II – has not yet been exhausted, but in order to flourish, it is in need of concrete and strong international and ecclesial solidarity. We cannot let them down.