“They will serve the salutary purpose of drawing international attention back to these two countries whose people have suffered for so long from protracted conflict and instability, and too often without adequate international solidarity and support,” said Pillay. “These visits are truly in the apostolic tradition, and very much in the spirit of the ecumenical Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation and Unity espoused by the recent WCC 11th Assembly.” Pillay added prayers on behalf of the global fellowship. “We pray that in addition to bringing comfort and hope to the victims of violence, extreme poverty, and injustice in these countries, the visits will lift up their continued struggles, as well as generate renewed commitment and action by political leaders to work toward peace, reconciliation, and justice,” he said. “Further, we hope that all members of the international community would urgently respond with needed humanitarian assistance for the most vulnerable communities, and provide sustained solidarity and support.” On arrival in South Sudan, the leaders will meet president Salva Kiir Mayardit and other government officials, members of civil society, and the diplomatic corps. On the second day, the global leaders will meet bishops, priests, and other leaders of their denominations separately, and later hear stories from internally displaced persons. In the afternoon, the three will preside over a joint prayer rally at the mausoleum of the late John Garang’, the founding father of the nation. On the final day, the pope will in the morning hold a mass at the mausoleum before departing for Rome. Read the full comment of the WCC general secretary "Hope, excitement, and expectations spread in South Sudan ahead of global Christian leaders' visit" - WCC news release 26 January 2023 | 
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