Apostolic Nuncio Urges Church Leaders in South Sudan to Uphold Bishop Gasi’s Legacy of Peace

In brief

Archbishop Séamus Patrick Horgan, the Apostolic Nuncio in South Sudan, has called on bishops, priests, and other Church leaders to act as agents of peace by following the example of the late Bishop Joseph Abangite Gasi. In a message marking the 12th anniversary of Bishop Gasi's death, Archbishop Horgan urged leaders to remain rooted in Christ and continue the former bishop's work in peace-building and education.

Bishop Gasi served as the head of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio from his consecration in April 1975 until his retirement in April 2008. Archbishop Horgan noted that Bishop Gasi led the diocese through some of the most difficult periods in the history of southern Sudan, using his position to promote peace and development. The Nuncio stated that the late bishop's commitment to education and peace-building is necessary today.

As the representative of Pope Leo XIV, Archbishop Horgan also shared greetings from the Holy Father and expressed spiritual closeness to the people of South Sudan and the Diocese of Tombura-Yambio. Bishop Gasi died on September 12, 2014, at the age of 86.