He added: “There is an influx of people coming from Sudan to Malakal and it is the intention of the cardinal to go and meet those people to greet them and show to them the care and love of Pope Francis and also to see their needs.”
“The Holy Father is thinking of all the refugees that are coming in, those from various parts of South Sudan and those from Sudan,” he said. “Pope Francis is thinking about people who have lost everything in their lives, and it is good that these people in one way or another feel they are not forgotten and they are cared for, and this is the role of the Church.”
After his reception at Juba International Airport by a section of clergy, religious, government officials, and a few faithful, the cardinal proceeded to the Vatican apostolic nunciature for a meeting with Church leaders in South Sudan.
Also on Parolin’s itinerary is a meeting with South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit, vice presidents, and other government officials before he travels to the Diocese of Malakal to meet with the returnees and refugees from Sudan.
Parolin will also visit the Diocese of Rumbek to listen to the concerns of that diocese.
Parolin is scheduled to plant trees at St. Theresa Catholic Cathedral in the Archdiocese of Juba before returning to Rome on Aug. 17.