(TONJ) – Youth from the Catholic Diocese of Rumbek in South Sudan are facing travel obstacles as they prepare to participate in the Jubilee of Youth in Rome, scheduled to take place from 28 July to 3 August 2025.
The pilgrimage is part of the Catholic Church’s wider 2025 Jubilee Year celebrations and holds significant spiritual value for the young South Sudanese selected to attend.
Sr. Orla Treacy, who is leading the group’s preparations, told ACI Africa that despite the excitement, uncertainty remains due to delays and difficulties in obtaining visas. The group is currently in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, awaiting confirmation of their visa applications, an extra step made necessary by the lack of an Italian consulate in South Sudan.
“Everyone is anxiously excited,” Sr. Orla said. “Until we get the visas, we don’t know for sure if we are actually going to get to travel.”
The journey to Rome is proving challenging for young Africans in general, and particularly for South Sudanese, due to limited diplomatic access, high costs and security related concerns. The youth from Rumbek had to first secure visas to Ethiopia before applying for their Italian ones, adding to the logistical and financial burden.
Fr. Alfredo Tedesco, director of youth ministry in Rome, noted that while African youth will be represented at the Jubilee, their numbers will be lower than other regions due to these issues.
“Some countries haven’t been able to send delegations due to visa or diplomatic issues or armed conflicts,” he said, adding that efforts by the Vatican have been made to assist where possible.
Despite the challenges, Sr. Orla said the spiritual motivation remains strong. The youth have already participated in a series of local pilgrimages and spiritual retreats, and interest in Catholic events has increased notably since Pope Francis visited South Sudan in 2023.
“Pope Francis’ visit in 2023 sparked a lot of interest in pilgrimage and spirituality among our youth,” Sr. Orla said. “To date, we have completed three pilgrimages around the Diocese and are planning a fourth for January.”
The Diocese of Rumbek has created multiple spiritual opportunities for its youth, including annual retreats and events such as the “Way of the Cross” on Good Friday. In January 2025, a local Pilgrimage of Hope was held as part of their spiritual preparation for the Jubilee Year.
The Rome bound group includes two youth leaders, a priest who works closely with the youth and two staff members from the Loreto Mission.
“We could only choose two of the youth leaders to go to Rome, and that is always hard,” Sr. Orla said, citing the high travel expenses and limited sponsorship.
The estimated cost of travel per participant is significant. While exact figures were not publicly disclosed, a round trip to Rome from Juba, including the necessary stop in Addis Ababa, typically costs over SSP 2,760,000 ($600) per person.
With visa and accommodation expenses added, the total cost can exceed SSP 4,600,000 ($1,000) for each traveller. This high cost has forced organisers to limit the number of participants.
| Item | Estimated Cost (SSP) | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Return flight (Juba–Rome) | 2,760,000 | $600 |
| Visa fees and documentation | 460,000 | $100 |
| Accommodation and meals | 1,380,000 | $300 |
| Total per traveller | 4,600,000 | $1,000 |
Support from the Apostolic Nuncio and donors from the Loreto Sisters has been vital in helping the small group progress with their visa applications and arrangements.
“We are grateful for the help of our Nuncio, who has been following the process and supporting us,” said Sr. Orla.
Back in South Sudan, the wider youth community remains engaged. In May, the Diocese held a five day follow-up retreat to reflect on earlier pilgrimages and prepare spiritually for the upcoming event in Rome. The event included 130 youth and 10 priests and religious participants, reinforcing the growing sense of community among young Catholics in the Diocese.
“There is a growing sense among the youth of the wider Church, and they are eager to participate,” said Sr. Orla. “We want to share in the wider Church’s celebration.”
While many South Sudanese youth may not be able to attend due to financial or diplomatic challenges, those selected hope to represent their peers and share the experience when they return. The Jubilee pilgrimage is expected to be a once in a lifetime event for those attending and a source of spiritual inspiration for their communities back home.
For many, the journey to Rome is not just a physical pilgrimage but a symbol of hope, unity and the desire to be part of something greater.
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