In 2019, Pope Francis made headlines when he kissed the feet of South Sudanese President Salva Kiir during a meeting at the Vatican. The gesture was a powerful symbol of the pope’s commitment to promoting peace in South Sudan, a country that has been plagued by conflict for decades.
Salva Kiir is a controversial figure in South Sudanese politics. He has been accused of corruption, human rights abuses, and mishandling the country’s economy. However, he was also instrumental in securing South Sudan’s independence from Sudan in 2011 and has played a key role in negotiating peace agreements with rebel groups.
Since gaining independence, South Sudan has been wracked by civil war, with various groups vying for power and control over the country’s vast natural resources.
Pope Francis has been a vocal advocate for peace in South Sudan and has worked tirelessly to bring the warring parties to the negotiating table. His meeting with President Kiir was part of an effort to promote peace and reconciliation in the country.
By kissing Kiir’s feet, Pope Francis was making a powerful statement about the need for humility and forgiveness in the pursuit of peace. The gesture was also a symbol of the pope’s commitment to serving the most vulnerable and marginalized members of society.
While some critics have accused the pope of legitimizing Kiir’s rule by kissing his feet, others have praised the gesture as a bold act of compassion and reconciliation. Regardless of one’s opinion of President Kiir or the pope, it is clear that their meeting was a significant moment in the ongoing quest for peace in South Sudan
