Pope Francis says Christians in war-torn South Sudan can make “a decisive contribution to changing history.” All they have to do is refuse to respond to evil with more evil. During the final Mass on Sunday of his 2 nation trip to Africa, the Holy Father said South Sudan’s faithful are called to be “light that shines in the darkness.” Adding that they can lay down their weapons in the name of Jesus. 

Pope Francis then traveled back to the Vatican but he was not alone. Returning from his trip to Africa, the Pope spoke to journalists as usual. This press conference, however, was a little bit different. Alongside the Holy father were Archbishop Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and Reverend Iain Greenshields, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. 

On the papal plane, Pope Francis said again he is ready to meet with leaders in Ukraine and Russia. He added a trip to Ukraine will only happen if he can travel to Moscow as well, and that is not likely to happen just yet. He also spoke about the death of Pope Benedict XVI.