Pope Francis kisses feet of South Sudanese leaders at Vatican retreat

South Sudanese religious and political leaders at the Vatican with Pope Francis during the final day of “spiritual retreat.” Photo: File

Juba, April 11, 2019 (SSNA) — In a move seen as dramatic, His Holiness Pope Francis has kissed feet South Sudanese leaders as the two days spiritual retreat come to close, the Reuters news agency reports.

Pope Francis can be seen in this video kissing feet of four South Sudan’s leaders.

The agency says the Pope urged President Kiir, rebel leader Dr. Machar, and other South Sudanese leaders to respect the peace and form a transitional government as stipulated in the September peace agreement.

A source traveling with the government delegation told the South Sudan News Agency (SSNA) that the retreat was good and that “we will see what happens next.”