Bentiu: As South Sudan moves cautiously toward national elections slated for 2026, Bishop Christian Carlassare of Bentiu has raised a heartfelt call for embracing the peace found in the Gospelnot through weapons or political rhetoric, but through forgiveness, reconciliation, and the courage to walk a nonviolent path.
Bishop Carlassare, a Comboni missionary who himself survived a brutal attack in 2021, described the country's current situation as deeply fragile. While grassroots projects like new water wells and classrooms offer glimmers of progress, violence remains an ever-present threat. He condemned recent airstrikes targeting civilians for their association with political opposition, calling such acts tragic reminders of South Sudan’s fragile peace.
In a powerful pastoral message, Bishop Carlassare warned that the nation stands at a “very delicate moment,” plagued by political polarization, widespread militarization, and a deep erosion of dialogue. “Prejudice is replacing understanding, and force is replacing reconciliation,” he said, adding that it seems as if some forces wish to keep South Sudan in “a permanent state of crisis and conflict.”
The Bishop drew a stark contrast between the peace imposed by power and the peace given by Christ. “We must reject the peace of the world one enforced by weapons and embrace the peace of the Gospel, which is a gift rooted in justice, compassion, and truth,” he urged.
Quoting Pope Leo XIV, Carlassare challenged South Sudanese society to expose the lies and hidden interests that often drive violence. He emphasized that in a society paralyzed by fear and suspicion, the poor suffer most. “The poor man beside me is not a threat,” he reflected, “but a brother perhaps desperate, but still a witness of hope.”
Bishop Carlassare underscored the vital role of the Church in shaping a culture of peace. He urged religious leaders and communities to speak out boldly against the arms trade, the forced recruitment of youth, and every form of systemic violence.
“Our churches, our catechists, and especially our schools must become beacons of peace,” he said. Schools, in particular, must serve as places where children are taught human dignity, justice, and peaceful coexistence. Catechists, he noted, have a duty to present a Gospel-centered understanding of reality one that challenges hatred with hope.
The Bishop also emphasized the importance of using media to amplify stories of reconciliation and courage, particularly from youth who have chosen peace over revenge.
Acknowledging the immense challenges ahead, Bishop Carlassare nonetheless remains hopeful. “The journey toward peace will be long,” he said, “but it is the only road that leads to a future of life, dignity, and hope for generations to come.”
In a land still healing from the scars of war, Bishop Carlassare’s voice is both a warning and an invitation a call to reject the logic of violence and to build, step by step, a society rooted in the healing strength of Gospel peace.