Despite a recent escalation in violence across South Sudan, including a spate of attacks against clergy, Catholic leaders in the country continue to hope that Pope Francis will be able to finally visit.
South Sudan President Salva Kiir, his vice presidents and other leaders planned to attend a "spiritual retreat" together at the Vatican in early April.
Officials with the Catholic Legal Immigration Network criticized the March 8 decision granting an 18-month extension of temporary protected status for South Sudan because it does not include recent arrivals.
Commentary: The Irish nun, head of Loreto Schools in Rumbek, received the State Department international award for her courage, inner strength and fierce dedication to female empowerment.
South Sudan's peace deal is fatally flawed, the country's bishops said as they committed the church to helping forge new negotiations. They also recommended a series of measures to end the conflict.
On the day Pope Francis designated for global prayers for peace in South Sudan and Congo, Catholic bishops in South Sudan said their leaders did not know how to make peace.
As civil war escalates in South Sudan, the world's youngest nation, refugees fleeing violence gather over the border in northern Uganda to ask God for peace.