Pope Francis’ recent visit to South Sudan has had a significant impact on the country’s peace talks. The South Sudanese President, Salva Kiir, announced during the visit that he would resume his participation in the Rome Peace Talks, a Church-led peace process. The talks had been suspended a few months prior, with each side accusing the other of acting in bad faith. However, Kiir stated that due to Pope Francis’ visit, he would lift the suspension and come back to the negotiation table. 

The Rome Initiative was created to bring inclusivity to the peace talks and reconciliation process in South Sudan. It was initiated after a spiritual retreat by Pope Francis, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Moderator of the Church of Scotland. The initiative, which is now over two years old, is still ongoing, and with President Kiir’s announcement, it is expected to resume in the coming weeks. 

The ecumenical pilgrimage to South Sudan, which was the second half of Pope Francis’ 40th Apostolic Trip, is the most high-profile visit ever to the country. The Christian churches aim to use their moral influence to bring peace to a country that has suffered from decades of civil war. The pilgrimage, which was in the works since 2017, was repeatedly delayed due to security fears, Covid-19, and Pope Francis’ health. 

The visit by Pope Francis, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Moderator of the Church of Scotland is a significant development in the peace process in South Sudan. It is a hopeful sign that the country will continue to move towards peace and stability, thanks to the efforts of the Christian churches. The resumed Rome Peace Talks will bring together the government and non-signatory groups to work towards a more inclusive solution to the ongoing conflict. The people of South Sudan can now look forward to a brighter future, and the Pope’s visit will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the country’s history.