South Sudan's late liberation hero Garang in focus during pope's visit

South Sudan's President Salva Kiir receives Pope Francis at the Presidential Palace during Pope's apostolic journey, in Juba, South Sudan, February 3, 2023. REUTERS/Jok Solomun

JUBA (Reuters) - Pope Francis will lead prayers at the mausoleum of South Sudanese liberation hero John Garang on Saturday, an acknowledgement of the importance for the world's youngest nation of perhaps the one leader who could ensure unity.

Garang was killed in a helicopter crash in July 2005, less than a month after becoming president of the autonomous Southern Sudan region, which he had led in a rebellion against Sudan's central government for two decades.