Pope Francis on Thursday kissed the shoes of South Sudan’s leaders in a gesture which signified the Pontiff’s resolve to ensure reign of peace in the country.
The Pope shocked the two men who were on a spiritual retreat at the Vatican when he bent down to kiss their feet.
It also came hours after President Omar al-Bashir of neighbouring Sudan was ousted by the military after 30-year rule.
“I’m asking you with my heart,” the pope said to the president, Salva Kiir, and the opposition leader, Riek Machar, clutching his hands in front of his chest. “Stay in peace.”
South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011. But war broke out in the country by December 2013 leaving more than 400,000 people dead and milions displaced.
Last September, Mr. Kiir and his former vice president turned rebel leader, Mr. Machar, signed a peace agreement in Ethiopia.
Francis urged the two leaders to respect the agreement and form a unity government in May.
“There will be fights among you, but let these be inside the office. But in front of the people, hold hands.
“I urge you, then, to seek what unites you, beginning with the fact that you belong to one and the same people, and to overcome all that divides you. People are wearied, exhausted by past conflicts. Remember that with war, all is lost!” he said.
