By Introduction: A Gesture That Echoed Across the Globe
In April 2019, a photograph captured a moment that stunned the world: Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church, on his knees, kissing the feet of South Sudan’s rival leaders. This unprecedented act of humility wasn’t just a symbolic gesture—it was a desperate plea for peace in a nation scarred by a brutal civil war.
Shared recently in a viral X thread by @views09_ on April 25, 2025, the image has reignited discussions about the power of humility in leadership and the ongoing struggle for peace in South Sudan. Let’s dive into the story behind this moment, its historical context, and its lasting impact.
The Context: South Sudan’s Brutal Civil War
South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, gained independence from Sudan in 2011 after decades of conflict. But the celebration was short-lived. By December 2013, a power struggle between President Salva Kiir, a Dinka, and his Vice President Riek Machar, a Nuer, ignited a civil war that spiraled into ethnic violence. The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) split into factions—Kiir’s SPLM and Machar’s SPLM-IO—dragging the country into chaos.
The numbers are staggering: nearly 400,000 people died by 2018, according to a study by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. Over 4 million were displaced, with 1.8 million internally and 2.5 million fleeing to neighboring countries like Uganda and Sudan.
The agricultural heartland in the south became a battleground, leading to a 2017 famine that left 6 million people on the brink of starvation. The economy collapsed, with the IMF reporting in 2017 that real income had halved since 2013, and inflation soared above 300% annually.
A series of fragile peace agreements followed. The first ceasefire came in January 2014, but it collapsed quickly. In August 2015, a Compromise Peace Agreement, mediated by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), was signed by both Kiir and Machar, establishing the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) to oversee implementation. Yet, violence persisted, often along ethnic and political lines.
The Vatican Retreat: A Spiritual Plea for Peace
By 2019, the Vatican saw an opportunity to intervene. Pope Francis, known for his focus on peace and reconciliation, invited South Sudan’s leaders to a two-day ecumenical retreat at the Casa Santa Marta, his residence in the Vatican. The attendees included President Salva Kiir, Riek Machar, and other key figures like Vice President Rebecca Nyandeng Garang, widow of South Sudan’s founding father, John Garang.
The retreat was unique—a “spiritual retreat…marked by interior recollection, trusting prayer, deep reflection, and encounters of reconciliation,” as described by the Vatican. Francis addressed the leaders directly, urging them to honor the 2018 peace agreement and form a unity government. “There will be fights among you, but let these be inside the office,” he said, staring them in the eye. He reminded them of their people’s “ardent desire for justice, reconciliation, and peace.”
Then came the moment that would define the retreat. In an impromptu act, Francis asked permission to approach the leaders. With labored breath, the 82-year-old pope knelt before them, kissed their feet, and pleaded for peace. The room fell silent.
The leaders, visibly stunned, helped him stand. Rebecca Nyandeng Garang later shared that the gesture “profoundly moved” her, a sentiment echoed by others present. The Vatican called it a “remarkable” and “spontaneous” act, unprecedented for a pope in a political context.
The Symbolism: A Pope’s Humility Redefines Leadership
Pope Francis kissing the feet of South Sudan’s leaders wasn’t just a personal act of humility—it was a powerful redefinition of leadership. For centuries, popes have been symbols of authority, often removed from the political fray. But Francis, who has consistently broken with tradition, brought a new dimension to papal influence.
This wasn’t the first time Francis had used foot-kissing as a symbol of service. In 2013, he washed and kissed the feet of prisoners, including women and Muslims, breaking a 2,000-year tradition of popes only washing priests’ feet. But the 2019 gesture carried a different weight. Kneeling before political leaders embroiled in a deadly conflict was a bold statement: peace requires humility, not power.
The act also echoed Christ’s example of washing his disciples’ feet, a biblical symbol of servitude. By placing himself physically below the leaders, Francis embodied his own words: “Remember that with war, all is lost.” It was a visual reminder to Kiir, Machar, and others that their roles as “Fathers of the Nation,” as Francis called them, demanded sacrifice for their people, not personal gain.
The Aftermath: A Step Toward Peace?
The immediate impact of Francis’ gesture was emotional, but its political effects unfolded over time. The 2019 retreat reinvigorated efforts to implement the 2018 peace agreement, though challenges remained. Violence along ethnic and political lines continued, and millions remained displaced or in famine’s grip.
In February 2023, Pope Francis took his commitment further, embarking on a “Pilgrimage of Peace” to South Sudan alongside the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, and the Moderator of the Church of Scotland, Iain Greenshields. The visit, the first of its kind by these three Christian leaders, carried a sense of urgency. Despite the 2018 peace deal, the country was still fractured, with stalled peace talks and ongoing violence.
The 2023 visit bore fruit. During the trip, President Kiir lifted a suspension on the Rome Peace Talks, a critical negotiation process with opposition groups that had been halted in 2022 amid accusations of war preparations. The pope’s presence, coupled with his earlier 2019 gesture, helped create a diplomatic breakthrough, giving renewed hope to a peace process that had faltered for years.
Why This Moment Still Matters in 2025
The X post by @views09_ on April 25, 2025, reminds us why Pope Francis’ act remains relevant. South Sudan’s peace process is still fragile. While the Rome Peace Talks have resumed, the country faces immense challenges: rebuilding a shattered economy, resettling millions of displaced people, and healing ethnic divisions. The image of Francis on his knees serves as a timeless call to action for leaders worldwide—humility and service must guide the pursuit of peace.
Beyond South Sudan, Francis’ gesture speaks to global conflicts. In a world grappling with wars in places like Ukraine and Gaza (a cause Francis addressed in his final public speech, calling for a ceasefire), the pope’s example challenges leaders to prioritize reconciliation over power. His actions also resonate on a personal level, inspiring individuals to approach conflicts with empathy and humility.
The Bigger Picture: Pope Francis’ Legacy of Humility
The 2019 moment in the Vatican is part of a broader pattern of humility that defines Pope Francis’ papacy. From blessing a guide dog to living in a modest Vatican guesthouse instead of the lavish Apostolic Palace, Francis has consistently rejected the trappings of power. He sold a custom Lamborghini for charity, drove a 1984 Renault with 190,000 miles, and carried his own bags during travel. He washed the feet of prisoners, supported the LGBTQIA+ community, and appointed the first woman to lead a major Vatican office.
These acts aren’t just symbolic—they challenge systemic norms. By kissing the feet of South Sudan’s leaders, Francis not only pleaded for peace but also redefined what it means to lead. His papacy is a living testament to the idea that true authority comes from service, not dominance.
Conclusion: A Call to Reflect and Act
Pope Francis’ act of kissing the feet of South Sudan’s leaders in 2019 was more than a moment—it was a movement. It challenged the status quo, inspired a nation, and contributed to tangible steps toward peace.
As we reflect on this image in 2025, shared through a viral X thread, we’re reminded of the power of humility in leadership and the enduring need for peace in South Sudan and beyond.
What can we learn from Francis’ example? Whether you’re a leader, a citizen, or simply someone navigating personal conflicts, his gesture invites us to prioritize reconciliation over pride. Let’s take this moment to reflect: How can we embody humility in our own lives? And how can we support peace efforts in places like South Sudan?
Share your thoughts in the comments below, and consider donating to organizations like the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to support ongoing peacebuilding efforts.
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