Apostolic Nuncio Urges Church Leaders in South Sudan to Uphold Bishop Gasi’s Legacy of Peace

Archbishop Horgan, in his September 12 message shared with ACI Africa, said the late Bishop’s commitment to education and peace-building “must be carried forward also today, perhaps now more than ever.”

As representative of Pope Leo XIV in South Sudan, Archbishop Horgan also conveyed the Holy Father’s greetings and assured the people of Tombura-Yambio and South Sudan of his spiritual closeness.

He recalled the Pope’s recent message to newly appointed Bishops gathered in Rome, in which the Pope emphasized that episcopal ministry must begin with a deep relationship with Christ.

“First of all, Pope Leo said, remain with Jesus,” he said, explaining that among the many responsibilities entrusted to Bishops, remaining with Christ is the most important.

He added, “We are Bishops, but we are first and foremost disciples. To speak of Him, we need to be with Him; to lead His people, we must allow ourselves to be guided by Him every day.”

Archbishop Horgan also recalled Pope Leo’s second recommendation to the newly appointed Bishops: to develop the heart of Christ the Good Shepherd.

“Have the heart of Jesus the Good Shepherd, a heart completely devoted to the Father and, precisely for this reason, totally given to your brethren,” he said in reference to the Holy Father.

Archbishop Horgan emphasized that this spiritual orientation applies beyond Bishops to everyone entrusted with responsibility within the Church.

“The Pope’s recipe is not for Bishops alone, but for all who have responsibility in the Church: for priests, missionaries, religious, catechists, for parents who form domestic churches,” the Apostolic Nuncio said. 

The Apostolic Nuncio encouraged those gathered in Yambio to use the commemoration as an opportunity to renew their focus on Christ, who remains at the center of the Church’s life and mission.