Pilgrims walk nine days to see Pope Francis in South Sudan  

JUBA - Hanah Zachariah is so determined to see Pope Francis in South Sudan that she walked nine days in sandals to reach the capital where he makes his long-awaited visit. On Thursday, the 20-year-old reached the outskirts of Juba after walking most of the way from the central town of Rumbek -- a journey of around 400 kilometres (250 miles). She was not alone. Sixty other young pilgrims and spiritual leaders trod the distance, waving flags, singing hymns and preaching unity in a country scarred by years of civil war. “We are walking for peace. When we reach Juba, we are going to welcome the pope. I am very excited to see him,” Zachariah told AFP, as passing cars honked their horns and cheered at the colourful convoy.