FRANCISCAN Father Mario Debattista said there was electricity in the crowd at Pope Francis’ Sunday Mass in Juba.
He said even the mood on the streets had changed while the Pope was in the country.
“There was a real sense of joy when it was all over as I think people were just so touched that (Pope Francis) had made the effort to come to South Sudan and take up their cause and desire for peace,” he said.
The Pope’s advocacy for peace ignited its own sense of peace, he said.
“I couldn’t help but think that if the mood was like this all the time, what a difference it would make for people, allowing them to walk even at night in security and joy and in a relaxed mood – something that is generally just not possible at the moment,” Fr Debattista said.
“The Pope seems to have helped people to give themselves the permission ro the opportunity to relax and feel safe, which means a lot here.”
Pope Francis visited South Sudan for three days from Friday to Sunday last weekend.
He travelled on an ecumenical pilgrimage with Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Dr Iain Greenshields.
Fr Debattista also attended a talk for clergy and religious, in which Pope Francis used the story of Moses rescued from the Nile.
“He spoke of how Moses had to grow in his ability and willingness to be prophetic but in a humble way, and this is certainly needed today in this country and everywhere,” Fr Debattista said.
“It is all too easy to become arrogant or aggressive in your advocacy for others.
“Strength is not found in aggression – there is too much of that already – but in a courage born from faith and trust in the power of God to see you through and speak his Word.”
Many refugees from the United Nations camp in Fr Debattista’s parish were able to go and meet with Pope Francis at a special meeting.
Fr Debattista had been unable to attend due to seating limits, but a brother priest from his parish attended and said it had been a “moving” experience.
“You are the seed of a new South Sudan, a seed for the fertile and lush growth of this country,” Pope Francis told the people living in refugee camps, who were forced to leave their homes because of conflict or flooding.
“You, from all your different ethnic groups, you who have suffered and are still suffering, you who do not want to respond to evil with more evil. You, who choose fraternity and forgiveness, are even now cultivating a better tomorrow,” he encouraged those present.
“Be seeds of hope,” he said, “which make it possible for us already to glimpse the tree that one day, hopefully in the near future, will bear fruit.”
Pope Francis returned to Rome last Sunday.
