Pope Francis Stuns Sudanese Leaders As He Kneels n Kisses Their Feet

Social media is currently buzzing with visuals of renowned religious leader Pope Francis, who was captured in a dramatic gesture as he went on his knees to kiss some South Sudan warring leaders in a bid to urge them not to return to civil war.

In a report by Reuters, it was gathered that the event played out Thursday, April 11, during the pope’s short retreat at the Vatican.

The respected cleric appealed to President Salva Kiir, his former deputy turned rebel leader Riek Machar, and three other vice presidents, to respect a peace agreement they had signed and commit to forming a harmonious government come May 2019.

He said: “I am asking you as a brother to stay in peace. I am asking you with my heart, let us go forward. There will be many problems but they will not overcome us. Resolve your problems,”

The 82-year-old pope’s gesture of going on his knees and kissing the feet of the leaders had left many present in the room surprised. Despite suffering from chronic leg pain, he had sought the support of his aides to carry out his gesture.

Watch the video below:

Pope Francis on both knees begging for peace to the South Sudan leaders.

Christ, fully present in the Eucharist gets much less
pic.twitter.com/hNdy5XnCyY

— Man of Catholicism (@ManofCath) 11 April 2019

The report further noted that the pope’s appeal was made even more pressing as anxiety grew in South Sudan following a coup that had taken place in South Sudan, which many feared will put at risk the fragile peace deal that ended South Sudan’s brutal five-year civil war.

Addressing the South Sudanese leaders in his residence, the pope said: “There will be struggles, disagreements among you but keep them within you, inside the office, so to speak, but in front of the people, hold hands united. So, as simple citizens, you will become fathers of the nation.”

The religious leader’s action had gathered a lot of mixed reactions from members of the online community as many praised his humility.

Here is 82years old Pope Francis kneeling down and kisses the feet of South Sudan Leaders Begging Them to Please Keep the Peace Of South Sudan and Not Allow the Country Break into Civil War.

We can only hope they hear 🙏 pic.twitter.com/xTRnL7waEv

— Odeyele Ayodeji. (@Haywhy_Jah) 12 April 2019

Pope Francis falls to his knees to beg South Sudanese leader to allow peace to reign.Isn't is Amazing. Humility is the keyword here... pic.twitter.com/fqaxCx73E7

— Kojo Antwi Bosiako 🇬🇭 (@kojo_lipsy) 12 April 2019

Pope Francis on Thursday knelt to kiss the feet of South Sudan’s previously warring leaders, in a dramatic gesture after an unprecedented retreat at the Vatican.

“I am asking you as a brother to stay in peace. I am asking you with my heart, let us go forward”

What a Moment ! 🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/1bAL3yeZg5

— Sulai Oduwole (@SulaiOdus) 12 April 2019