Speaking during his official welcome to South Sudan, Archbishop Séamus Patrick Horgan said he already feels at home in the country that gained independence from Sudan in July 2011.
“Thank you for embracing the Pope's decision and for embracing me. Already, South Sudan is beginning to hold a place in my heart, and I am confident this will be a happy and fruitful mission,” Archbishop Horgan said during his welcome on Thursday, August 29.
“My dear friends, I am very grateful and deeply touched by your warm welcome,” the Nuncio whose Episcopal Consecration was on Saturday, July 27 in Rome, said, addressing those who gathered to welcome him.
The native of Ireland who has been assigned the Titular See of Árd Sratha emphasized the significance of his presence as a representative of Pope Francis in South Sudan, highlighting the Pope's deep connection to the country.
Archbishop Horgan said that the appointment of a resident Nuncio to South Sudan was the Holy Father’s move to ensure a more stable and continuous presence of the Church in South Sudan.
He recalled, “When the Pope visited you last year, you may remember that he said South Sudan holds a very special place in his heart.”
Also speaking during the reception of Archbishop Horgan, the Auxiliary Bishop of Juba Archdiocese, Bishop Santo Loku Pio, expressed his joy at the event which he described as historic.
“We are happy to welcome among us Archbishop Seamus, the first Apostolic Nuncio resident in South Sudan,” Bishop Loku said, recalling that while South Sudan had previously been served by Nuncios, they were not stationed within the country.
“In the past, we have had Nuncios, but they were residing elsewhere. For the first time, following the visit of the Holy Father, he has now appointed for us a permanent representative who will be staying with us here in Juba,” he said.
The Bishop highlighted the significance of the papal appointment, emphasizing the positive impact it would have on the relationship between South Sudan and the Vatican.
"Your Grace, the Christian community, and the people of God in the Republic of South Sudan are delighted to welcome you among us. Your presence will strengthen the diplomatic relationship with the Holy See," Bishop Loki said.
He also acknowledged the warm response of the local community to the appointment, underscoring the deep connection the faithful felt toward the Pope's representative. “We are pleased that you have seen how the Christian community has come out to receive you and accept you as another gift from His Holiness Pope Francis for us in South Sudan,” he said.
Ambassador Philip Jada, a representative of the South Sudanese government at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who spoke at the event conveyed the significance of the Nuncio's arrival to both the government and the people of South Sudan.
“We are all excited to welcome you here as the first resident of Nuncio in South Sudan and the representative of the Holy See,” Ambassador Jada said.
He noted the enthusiastic reception from when the Nuncio arrived in the country. "We believe you could see, right from your reception at the airport, how much this means to us."Ambassador Jada described the appointment of a resident Nuncio as a “great blessing” for South Sudan.
The Ambassador expressed the government's eagerness to collaborate with the Nuncio, saying “This is a joyous occasion to welcome you to South Sudan, and it is truly a blessing. We look forward to working with you.”