"The wounds of recent years have left traumas and led to enmities between the communities that need to be overcome," he told the portal "Vatican News" (Sunday), referring in particular to the conflicts between the Dinka and Nuer ethnic groups. "Both the Dinka and the Nuer feel victimised and treated unfairly," said the 46-year-old. "The question is how we can overcome these narratives and become the engine of reconciliation, for a better future for all, where there is development and a dignified life for all," said Carlassare.
Pope Francis established the new diocese of Bentiu on 4 July and appointed the Italian-born Comboni missionary as its first bishop. He has been working in South Sudan for almost 20 years, most recently as Bishop of Rumbek.
Shortly before his planned consecration as bishop in 2021, he was seriously injured in an assassination attempt in his parsonage. Several perpetrators attacked him in his sleep and shot him in both legs. The motive was thought to be an internal church dispute. Three men are in prison for the offence.
Getting to know the gospel while on the run
The ethnic conflict of recent years had particularly hurt Bentiu, said Calassare. "But the people are strong, they have faith, they have a great history of faith." The diocese of Bentiu, which was created from areas of the huge diocese of Malakal, lies partly in the federal state of Unity and partly in the autonomous administrative zone of Rouen. Of the total population of around 1.2 million, a good 620,000 are Catholics. Three of the seven parishes are located in the area of the Dinka tribe, four in the area of the Nuer tribe.
The history of the new diocese was also influenced by the civil war, says Carlassare. Many people had learnt about the gospel when they fled to the city and passed it on to the people when they returned to their communities.
"As a result, conversions have multiplied since the 1990s and numerous Christian communities have sprung up that are led by competent catechists," said the new bishop. "Even though the number of priests in this area has always been low, the communities are vibrant thanks to the commitment of many lay people."