For the first time Saturday the newest nation of the world raised its flag and the newest president Salva Kiir took the oath of office in the presence of Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary –General flanked by world leaders, sparking wild jubilant cheers from the crowds The 193rd country recognized by the United Nations and the 54th U.N. member state in Africa was a reality. Pope Benedict XVI joined the chorus in wishing the new state “peace and prosperity”. For this solemn occasion, the Holy Father’s official delegation was headed by Cardinal John Njue, archbishop of Nairobi and president of the Kenya Episcopal Conference. It included also Archbishop Leo Boccardi, apostolic nuncio to Sudan, and Msgr. Javier Herrera Corona, secretary of the apostolic nunciature to Kenya, who gladly toasted the new nation, many of whose citizens are Catholic.
