“Amazing”: Jesuit Provincial on Their Private Encounter with Pope Francis in South Sudan

Juba, 07 February, 2023 / 10:05 PM

The private meeting between Pope Francis and members of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) during his visit in South Sudan was “amazing”, a Priest at the helm of the  Jesuits in Eastern Africa Province has said.

Credit: Vatican Media

In an interview with ACI Africa at the conclusion of the Papal Mass on the grounds of Dr. John Garang Mausoleum, Fr. Kizito Kiyimba also described the February 4 private meeting held in the Apostolic Nunciature in Juba, South Sudan, as an “uplifting moment.”

“It was a very nice moment and my head is still spinning from that encounter; it was amazing,” Fr. Kiyimba said during the February 5 interview.

Fr. Kizito Kiyimba. Credit: ACI Africa

The Jesuits who attended the meeting will live on the experience gained from the meeting with Pope Francis, he further said, adding that the encounter "was conversational on the personal things, but sometimes he was teaching as Pope, so there are things there that will be useful for everyone.” 

The Holy Father was “relaxed, personal,” the Ugandan-born Jesuit Priest said, adding that the Pontiff who is a Jesuit, “was encouraging and a bit challenging," said.

Credit: ACI Africa

The Priest who holds a doctorate in Philosophy from the London School of Economics continued, “We were privileged to be encouraged by our own brother who is a Pope both in his category as a Pope and also as a Jesuit.”

“We felt that we can now continue with our mission here in Eastern Africa as Jesuits having met the Pope," the Provincial of the Jesuits in Eastern Africa said, adding that the encounter with the Holy Father makes them feel "reinvigorated".

Credit: ACI Africa

Pope Francis concluded his visit to South Sudan on Sunday, February 5. He described the visit that he made was alongside the Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, and the Moderator of the Church of Scotland, Iain Greenshields as a “pilgrimage of peace.”

In his final remarks after presiding over Holy Eucharist, Pope Francis expressed his gratitude, saying, “Dear brothers and sisters, I return to Rome with you even closer to my heart,” he said. “Let me repeat: You are in my heart, you are in our hearts, you are in the hearts of Christians worldwide.”

Credit: Vatican Media

“Never lose hope. And lose no opportunity to build peace. May hope and peace dwell among you. May hope and peace dwell in South Sudan!” Pope Francis said February 5.