Pope Francis on Thursday kissed the feet of South Sudan’s leaders who visited him at the Vatican, urging them not to return to civil war and safeguard peace in their country.

“I am asking you as a brother to stay in peace. I am asking you with my heart, let us go forward. There will be many problems but they will not overcome us. Resolve your problems,” Francis said told the previously warring leaders.

“There will be struggles, disagreements among you but keep them within you, inside the office, so to speak,” he added.

“But in front of the people, hold hands united. So, as simple citizens, you will become fathers of the nation."