South Sudanese urge leaders to act on Pope’s message

South Sudan’s leaders have been urged to act on Pope Francis’ plea for peace in the war-torn country.

The Pope made a “peace pilgrimage” to the country over the weekend with the heads of the churches in England and Scotland.

In his sermon on Sunday during a mass in the capital, Juba, the Pope urged the country to reject the “venom of hatred”. Man South Sudanese are hoping their leaders will heed the advice.

“I expect our leaders to change their hearts and implement the message of peace brought by Pope Francis so that the people of South Sudan can have a lasting peace,” Imma Lasu told the BBC after the mass.