A promise to Pope Francis

The Pope's Africa trip to two countries plagued by civil war and hunger is coming to an end. Francis found haunting words in South Sudan - and can be happy about a success. It's a small moment upon arrival in Juba. A few seconds that symbolize the difficulties encountered by the Pope on his trip to Africa. Two South Sudanese children meet Francis on the runway and are supposed to let two white doves of peace fly in front of the Pope's eyes as a sign of hope.

The pigeons, however, do not rise into the air, but fall to the ground after a short attempt to fly, waddling in the shadow of the plane. A well-meant gesture of welcome that fails - like many attempts to create peace in South Sudan in recent years. Nevertheless, the Pope made it clear in Juba that he does not want to be discouraged by the difficulties in his host countries. Francis is persistently campaigning for reconciliation and peace these days. The Pope does not shy away from undiplomatic, drastic words when speaking to those responsible for politics. Like at the opening meeting in Juba, when the Pope reminded President Salva Kiir Mayardit and his rival deputy Riek Machar of their responsibility for the people of South Sudan: "Your children ' And history itself, distinguished leaders, will remember you for having done good to this populace. Based on what you do now, future generations will honor or erase the memory of your names."

Francis himself has made it clear several times that this young, Christian country is close to his heart. One of the most spectacular gestures of his pontificate is associated with South Sudan: More than three years ago, after praying together, Francis kissed the feet of Salva Kiir and Riek Macher, the former civil war opponents - as an expression of a plea for peace South Sudan and before that in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are not only working internally but also externally and are bringing two wars that have been largely forgotten outside of Africa back to the attention of the world public. Aid organizations in South Sudan are complaining that there is an increasing lack of money for aid projects in these conflict regions. Also because people's willingness to donate has decreased - possibly because other wars, such as the one in Ukraine, are currently being perceived more strongly. The Pope probably hopes that his visit will help the world to look more towards Africa again.