But on the anniversary of that visit, during which he and church leaders from the UK called for peace, South Sudanese people feel little has change. But some are still holding out hope.

"One of the messages of the Holy Father Pope Francis to South Sudanese was to unite, but unity is still elusive in us because we feel more tribal instead of being a nation, a nation that is united," the Catholic archbishop of Juba, Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin, told the BBC.

He said South Sudan's resources are not being shared more widely, despite the Pope having urged "togetherness".

Baby Pauline Blessing Adul was given a blessing by the pontiff a year ago. Her parents John Bosco Okwir and Jeniffer Ayaa say she continues to be a source of "blessing and joy" to the family and community.

And according to her father, the capital city Juba feels a somewhat calmer and safer place to live than before that visit last February.