Pope Francis stunned guests at a spiritual retreat in Vatican City when he fell to his knees to kiss the feet of three previously warring South Sudanese leaders. The Pope was helped in the unexpected gesture by an aide and by each leader as he urged them to ensure peace is maintained in the landlocked East African nation. Addressing the South Sudan envoy, Pope Francis said: "To the three of you who signed the Peace Agreement, I ask you, as a brother, remain in peace.
"I ask you from the heart. Let us move forward. There will be many problems, but don’t be afraid, go forward, resolve the problems.
"You have started a process, may it end well. Although struggles will arise these should stay “within the office."
The decision to kneel to his guest was unexpected as the Pontiff, aged 82 and with only one lung, is known to avoid genuflecting even when administering sacraments.
The Pope appealed to South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and vice-president designates Riek Machar and Rebecca Nuandeng De Mabio. Riek Machar, who served as deputy of President Kiir before becoming the leader of rebellious forces during the ongoing South
