President Kiir dolls out support for churches ahead of papal visit

President Salva Kiir  has already started rolling out financial support to various Christian churches and faith organizations ahead of the anticipated visit by Pope Francis to South Sudan.

Barnaba Marial Benjamin, the Minister of Presidential Affairs disclosed these remarks over the weekend in Juba, while supervising renovation of some churches that is being supported by the presidency.

The Presidential press unit said on it’s Facebook page that the ongoing renovations of the churches is in anticipation of the upcoming visit by Pope Francis and high-level dignitaries from the Vatican.

The Vatican Secretary of State in July visited South Sudan after Pope Francis had postponed his visit to both Juba and Kinshasha citing ill health.

Marial said the presidency is willing to reach out to more religious institutions.

The Minister who was accompanied by the high- level committee for the preparation of the Papal visit, inspected St. Theresa Cathedral Kator and All Saints Cathedral.