Peace is possible, Pope
Francis told South Sudan leaders in the Vatican on Thursday.
Speaking after their spiritual retreat, Francis said "dear
brothers and sisters, peace is possible.
"I will never tire of repeating that peace is possible!
"But this great gift of God is at the same time also a strong
commitment of responsible men towards the people".
The pope called on the leaders to respect a ceasefire and
cease hostilities.
He then knelled and kissed their feet.
South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit and rebel leader
and former vice president Riek Machar Teny Dhurgon were guests
of the head of the Catholic Church and Archbishop of Canterbury
Justin Welby in the Vatican.
South Sudan has endured five years of civil war which has
killed an estimated 400,000 people.
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