Bishop Gassis' visits came in the middle of decades of on-again, off-again fighting between the central government and several rebel movements in the South and other peripheral areas of the country.

In April scores have died in a series of attacks and assassinations in Mexico, the Philippines and Nigeria. Catholics at prayer during Mass have been targeted in a number of attacks.

Public rallies have been banned since September 2016, when dozens of demonstrators were killed.

The pope is praying especially for peace in Syria, Nigeria and the Koreas.

Since civil war began to rip apart South Sudan's fragile democracy in 2013, roughly one-third of the country's 12 million people have been forced to flee their homes.

Roman Catholic priests in eastern Congo are vowing to continue their work in parishes, schools and clinics after the murder of one of their brethren this week in the largely lawless region.