Visa Woes Block South Sudanese Pilgrimage to Rome

(RUMBEK) – A group of South Sudanese youths hoping to participate in the Catholic Jubilee of Youth celebrations in Rome has been denied visas, leading to disappointment and concern among church leaders and young faithful in the country.

While other African countries such as Tanzania have successfully secured travel permits for their young pilgrims, youths from South Sudan and several neighbouring countries, including Ethiopia and Kenya, have faced significant challenges in obtaining the required documentation from the Italian embassies.

Speaking to ACI Prensa, the Director of Youth Ministry in Rome, Fr Alfredo Tedesco, acknowledged that African representation at the Jubilee would be limited.

“Some countries haven’t been able to send delegations due to visa or diplomatic issues or armed conflicts. The Dicastery and the Holy See have made arrangements to facilitate some visas,” he said, though noted that the numbers would not be high.

In Tanzania, the support of the Italian embassy has made a noticeable difference. Over 200 young Tanzanians are expected to attend the Jubilee after a coordinated and smooth visa process. According to Fr Liston Lukoo, Head of the Youth Department at the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC), every youth who completed the application requirements has received a visa.

“We have had no single problem with the Italian embassy. Everyone who met their end of the deal has gotten their visas,” Fr Lukoo said on 23 July.

He added that the embassy had been overwhelmed by the sheer number of applicants but continued to conduct interviews until the final day, hoping all remaining candidates would be approved.

In contrast, efforts in Ethiopia and Kenya have not been as successful. A youth leader from Ethiopia shared that the Italian embassy in Addis Ababa had been “very harsh,” leading to widespread rejections.

“I don’t know of any young person who is going. Those I know have been denied visas,” the leader stated on 15 July.

Fr Pascal Mwambi, coordinator of the African Digital Youth Influencers (ASYFI) in Kenya, said he too was still without a visa.

“The appointment I got is for September. Attempts to seek an earlier appointment have so far not been successful,” he reported.

For South Sudanese pilgrims who applied through the Italian embassy in Addis Ababa, the visa denials have been particularly disheartening. Religious leaders in the Diocese of Rumbek have responded with messages of hope and encouragement.

“Please don’t give up,” said one priest in a note dated 24 July. “Another time it will be possible, with prayer. Courage our dear Sr Orla, Fr Mangar and our youth. Praying for your safe journey as you come back from Addis Ababa.”

The Jubilee of Youth is scheduled to begin with a Holy Mass at St Peter’s Square in Rome on Tuesday, 29 July at 6:00 p.m. local time. The week long event will feature spiritual, cultural and artistic programmes across the city under the theme Dialogues with the City.

Friday, 1 August has been designated a Penitential Day, with pilgrims gathering at the Circus Maximus for the Sacrament of Penance. On Saturday, 2 August, events will shift to Tor Vergata, while on Sunday, 3 August, Pope Leo XIV is expected to preside over a final Holy Mass at 9:30 a.m., concluding the celebrations.