The following is the Christmas Message to South Sudanese political leaders, jointly signed by the Holy Father Francis, Archbishop of Canterbury His Grace Justin Welby, and the Moderator of the Church of Scotland, the Reverend Martin Fair:

Christmas Message

Christmas 2020

Their Excellencies,
The Political Leaders of South Sudan

Your Excellencies,

In this Christmas season, we remember that our Lord Jesus Christ came into the world among the least - in a dusty stable with animals. Later, he called those who wish to be great in his kingdom to be the servant of all (Mark 10:43).

We remain prayerfully mindful of the commitments made at the Vatican in April 2019 - yours to bring your country to a smooth implementation of the Peace Agreement, and ours to visit South Sudan in due course, as things return to normalcy. We have been glad to see the small progress you have made, but know it is not enough for your people to feel the full effect of peace. When we visit, we long to bear witness to a changed nation, governed by leaders who, in the words of the Holy Father last year, 'hold hands, united ... as simple citizens' to 'become Fathers (and Mothers) of the Nation'.

We pray, this Christmas, that you will know greater trust among yourselves and a greater generosity of service to your people. We pray you know the peace that surpasses understanding in your own hearts and in the heart of your great nation (Philippians 4:7).