Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Juba (Agenzia Fides) – "A fresh descent into the abyss of human depravity, where the sanctity of life, a sacred gift from God, is trampled upon with alarming impunity," is how the Bishops of Sudan and South Sudan describe the massacre of civilians and soldiers that took place in Abiemnhom County in the Ruweng Administrative Area, South Sudan, on Sunday, March 1 (see Fides, 3/3/2026) and in Ayod County of Jonglei State, where 25 people were brutally killed on February 22.
"The blood of our brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, shed not on a battlefield but within their own communities, cries out to Heaven. We are profoundly disturbed not only by the scale of suffering but by the brazen disregard for human dignity that such acts represent," reads the message sent to Fides signed by members of the Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops' Conference (SSSCBC).
After expressing their solidarity with the population affected by the violence, the Bishops launch an appeal to renounce the "culture of deadly revenge." "With pastoral honesty, we must confront a painful truth: the culture of deadly revenge has taken deep root in parts of our society," they emphasize. "Cycles of retaliation, fueled by anger, collective blame, and historical grievances, continue to destroy families, weaken communities, and rob our children of their future. Revenge is not justice."
In their message, the SSSCBC makes an "urgent appeal to the authorities" to conduct a "thorough and independent" investigation to identify and bring to justice those responsible for the Ayod and Abiemnhom massacres. This is because "impunity feeds the repetition of crimes." "Justice, instead, restores trust in the population."
The Bishops conclude by addressing the victims and their families: "The Church is your family. We weep with you. We pray with you. We carry you in our hearts. We pray for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed. May the angels lead them into Paradise." (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 4/3/2026)
