Pope Francis: Throwback to Day when Pontiff Kissed Feet of South Sudan Leaders
- Pope Francis died peacefully on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, after battling pneumonia
- In 2019, the then-82-year-old stunned the world by kneeling to kiss the feet of South Sudan’s rival leaders
- Pope Francis urged President Salva Kiir and Riek Machar to uphold peace and unity
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The world is mourning Pope Francis, who died on Monday, April 21, after a prolonged battle with pneumonia.
Source: Facebook
As tributes pour in from across the globe, one defining moment from his papacy has resurfaced—a powerful and unexpected 2019 gesture when he knelt to kiss the feet of South Sudan's warring leaders, pleading with them to preserve peace in their fragile nation.
Pope Francis' Message to South Sudan leaders
In a dramatic turn of events at the Vatican, the then 82-year-old Pope, despite chronic leg pain, knelt with difficulty, aided by assistants, to kiss the feet of President Salva Kiir, his former rival Riek Machar, and three vice presidents.
The moment stunned the room and resonated globally as a symbol of humility and a desperate call for peace.
"I am asking you as a brother to stay in peace," Pope Francis said, breaking protocol in an emotional plea. "There will be many problems, but they will not overcome us. Resolve your problems."
The occasion was an unprecedented spiritual retreat hosted at the Pope’s residence in the Vatican.
It brought together South Sudan’s feuding political leaders for 24 hours of prayer, reflection, and reconciliation, a bold attempt by the Vatican to heal wounds ahead of the formation of a unity government.
Francis’ gesture came amid fears that growing instability in neighbouring Sudan, then teetering on the brink of a coup, could derail the fragile peace agreement that had ended South Sudan's brutal five-year civil war.
The conflict, which began in 2013, had killed over 400,000 people and displaced millions, marking one of Africa’s worst humanitarian crises since the Rwandan genocide.
Source: Twitter
In his heartfelt message, Pope Francis urged the leaders to keep their disagreements private and present a united front for the sake of the nation.
“There will be struggles, disagreements among you but keep them within you, inside the office,” he said. “In front of the people, hold hands united. So, as simple citizens, you will become fathers of the nation.”
This moment captured Pope Francis’ commitment to peace, dialogue, and servant leadership, which remained at the heart of his decade-long papacy. It also showcased his belief in using moral authority and symbolism to influence global diplomacy and reconciliation.
As the world reflects on his legacy, this act of humility—kneeling before the powerful to beg for peace—stands as one of the most iconic and enduring images of a pontiff who sought to be a servant of all.
Pope Francis meets Vice President Vance hours before death
In other news, Pope Francis met with United States Vice President JD Vance on April 20, just hours before his passing.
Reflecting on the encounter, Vance described the Pope as frail yet gracious.
In his tribute, the VP emotionally recalled the pontiff’s powerful 2020 homily during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, honouring his legacy of faith and resilience.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
