The Governor of Unity State, Justice Riek Bim Top Long, has officially named a major road in Bentiu “Pope Francis Road” and launched a bold initiative to plant one million trees across the state’s seven counties.
Speaking during the ceremony, Governor Bim said the gesture honors His Holiness Pope Francis for his strong advocacy on environmental protection, social justice, and human dignity. He noted that Pope Francis has long called for “integral ecology” — an approach linking environmental preservation with the fight against poverty and the promotion of human rights.
“We decided to dedicate this road to Pope Francis because of his enduring contributions, including elevating Greater Bentiu to a diocese and appointing a bishop for our people,” Governor Bim said. “The glimpse of peace that South Sudanese people are now experiencing is, in part, due to his efforts.”
Governor Bim highlighted the severe environmental degradation Unity State has endured over the past five years, with widespread loss of forests and basic necessities due to persistent environmental catastrophes. As part of the recovery effort, he declared that the newly named Pope Francis Road — stretching from the Catholic cathedral in Bentiu to Thowmangor — would be the central route for the tree-planting project.
The tree-planting initiative, launched in collaboration with local and international partners, aims to restore the region’s ecosystem, improve its aesthetic value, and promote long-term environmental sustainability.
Governor Bim expressed optimism that the project would “create a new shape” for Unity State and serve as a model for environmental recovery across South Sudan
