Cardinal Turkson travels to South Sudan to pray for peace

(Vatican Radio) Cardinal Peter Turkson, President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace is in South Sudan to join the people in praying for peace.

Calling for an end to the violence that has killed some 10,000 people and displaced nearly 1 million since fighting flared in mid-December, Cardinal Turkson warned against a globalization of indifference.

He arrived in Juba on 18 March with a busy schedule that includes the inauguration of a new Church, a possible meeting with President Salva Kiir, an encounter with bishops, clergy, religious and laity, a meeting with the Episcopal archbishop of South Sudan and Sudan, and possibly a visit to one of the states affected by the conflict. Cardinal Turkson will celebrate Mass at St. Theresa’s Cathedral before departing for the Rome

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.

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”.

Cardinal Turkson has been warmly welcomed by South Sudanese prelates including the Apostolic Nuncio to South Sudan, Archbishop Charles Daniel Balvo who described his presence as a boost to peace in the country.

Wrapping up his journey, the Cardinal is scheduled to celebrate Mass at St Theresa’s Cathedral Kator in Juba on Sunday, March 23, and depart for Rome the following day.