The Pope and the Archbishop are particularly attentive to South Sudan. This was exemplified by the spiritual retreat of the civil and ecclesiastical authorities of the country, which was held in April last year at the Vatican. 

Archbishop Welby proposed bringing together the highest civil and ecclesiastical authorities of the African country at Casa Santa Marta to Pope Francis with the aim of offering the Church an opportunity for reflection and prayer, as well as for encounter and reconciliation, in a spirit of respect and trust to those who at this moment have the mission and responsibility to work for a future of peace and prosperity for the South Sudanese people.