Carlassare: South Sudan needs the peace proposed by the Gospel

In a message, the Comboni bishop of Bentiu speaks about the climate in the African country ahead of the 2026 elections. He urges people to work towards resolving conflicts through peace education for the younger generations. This is a task that also calls on the Church and schools, ‘a long journey,’ writes the prelate, ‘but it is the only viable path that offers opportunities for life to future generations.’

Non-violence

The prelate speaks of “a very delicate moment” in South Sudan in the run-up to the 2026 elections. “There is a lot of concern,” he explains, “because prejudice is preferred to listening, and violence to reconciliation”. There is a proliferation of weapons and growing division. ‘It seems to me,’ writes Carlassare, “that there is a desire to keep the country in a permanent state of conflict and humanitarian emergency. This is the rule of power. The lives of so much of humanity matter little. In this situation, a choice is urgently needed: to welcome, not the peace that the world offers us and that is flaunted by the powerful with their armies, but the gift of peace offered by the Gospel. Today, it is increasingly urgent to dare to choose non-violence.”

The poor brother looks to God

Quoting Pope Leo, who invites us to evaluate the causes of conflicts by unmasking the rhetoric, lies and interests that lie behind them, the prelate emphasises that ‘the country in conflict is paralysed, there is no longer a path but only wandering in search of life where there is none’. A paralysis in which there are predestined victims such as the poor, whom “today’s world is increasingly discriminating against and condemning”. “It is easy to make the destitute,” writes the bishop, ‘the scapegoats of a world that, having lost its direction, is increasingly devoid of hope. It is illusory to think that our hope is based on the security of power and possessions. We are all poor and we do not want to admit it.‘ ’The poor person in front of me,‘ he emphasises, ’is not a rival, but a brother. Sometimes he can deceive me because he is as desperate as I am. But often my poor brother bears witness to the hope professed in a precarious life, made up of deprivation, fragility and marginalisation. He suffers violence, but he raises his eyes and looks to God, and thus remains human. In this way, the solidarity of the poor is born: in hope.”

Teaching peace

For Carlassare, the people and the Church of South Sudan need ‘shepherds of peace’ who are capable of creating relationships based on forgiveness. ‘In order to resolve conflicts, we must overcome conflictual relationships, starting with our own communities. For this reason, the Church can play a crucial role in educating the younger generations about peace.’ How can this be done? “By speaking out against the proliferation of weapons, the reckless recruitment of young people, violence and injustice. And give a prophetic voice to those who have chosen non-violence, especially among young people, as an example to others. We need to use the media to convey messages of hope and stories of successful conflict resolution. It is important to support initiatives for integral human development and social justice by encouraging economic activities and access to essential services such as water and health.” We need the commitment of schools, which must become places of hope where peace, human rights and responsible citizenship are taught. We need the commitment of catechists who offer a different interpretation of reality. ‘The road is long,’ concludes the bishop of Bentiu, ‘but the path of peace is the only viable path that offers opportunities for life to future generations.

Credits to: VATICAN NEWS