The Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Juba Paulino Lukudu has called for calm and restraint after violent activities at St. Theresa’s Cathedral Parish in Kator.
Some church personnel were reportedly beaten up on Sunday by some members of the archdiocese who reject the appointment of Stephen Ameyu as archbishop of Juba Diocese. The incident left some faithfuls injured.
One letter, sent last December, was signed by three priests and five laymen, who identified themselves as “community elders,” said Bishop Ameyu “will not be accepted to serve as Archbishop of Juba under any circumstance.”
According to a statement released by the Vatican on December 12, Pope Francis named Bishop Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla, until now Bishop of Torit diocese, as the new archbishop of Juba.
The Vatican announced the resignation of Archbishop Paulino Lukudu Loro, from the pastoral care of the Archdiocese of Juba.
Speaking at a press conference in Juba on Tuesday, Archbishop Lukudu said he was saddened by the news of the incident that happened on Sunday. “Thanks be to God that no life was lost. I am unhappy to hear of violent threats and hostilities,” he said.
Lukudu urged the diocesan priests, religious leaders and faithfuls of Juba archdiocese to refrain from violence. He also appealed to the diocesan priests to desist from divisive politics and reckless utterances which could lead to animosity and violence.
Last week, the Vatican announced that Bishop Ameyu would be installed as archbishop of Juba on 22 March at St. Theresa’s Cathedral in Juba.