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Kenyans stunned after Pope Francis kisses South Sudan's leaders feet

Gesture by Pope leaves many stunned
Pope Francis kneels to kiss the feet of South Sudan's President Salva Kiir
Pope Francis kneels to kiss the feet of South Sudan's President Salva Kiir

Pope Francis on Thursday got on his hands and knees before the leaders of South Sudan’s government and its opposition,kissing their shoes, an act that baffled majority of Kenyans.

The Catholic Church observes a holy Thursday where the priests wash the feet of the flock to make the servant leadership that was preached by Jesus.

When the Pope kissed the feet of South Sudan's President Salva Kiir and his opponent Riek Machar, he implored them to have peace.

Pope Francis

Pope Francis

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Peace in South Sudan

Twitter went ballistic with Kenyans wondering what the action meant and some also hailing the Pope for his actions.

"I am asking you as a brother to stay in peace. I am asking you with my heart, let us go forward," the pontiff said.

President Salva Kiir and his rival, the former rebel leader Riek Machar, clashed in 2013 leading to a civil war that left 400,000 people dead.

But they signed a peace agreement last year that brought the war to an end.

Here are some reactions from Twitter

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