The Holy See and the Republic of South Sudan have established diplomatic relations. South Sudan is the world’s newest country, having been established in 2011 after breaking off from Sudan.
The region suffered through two civil wars before South Sudan became an independent state. Relations between South Sudan and Sudan continue tense.
A communiqué released today by the Holy See announced the establisment of an apostolic nunciature in the African state.
The communiqué says that the two bodies «being desirous of promoting bonds of mutual friendship, have decided by common accord to establish diplomatic relations at the level of Apostolic Nunciature on the part of the Holy See and of Embassy on the part of the Republic of South Sudan.»
The Republic of South Sudan is a land-locked country and is a UN member state, as well as a member state of the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development.
There are an estimated 2 million Christians, mostly Catholics, among the population of 8.2 million.
