Hundreds gather at St Mary’s cathedral, Lubaga to honour Pope Francis

25 April 2025, 9:37 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Luigi Bianco, together with the Chairman of the Episcopal Conference, Bishop Dr Anthony Zziwa, and the Nuncio Emeritus from Belgium, Archbishop Augustine Kasujja, led a special requiem Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral, Lubaga, Kampala, in honour of Pope Francis, who passed away earlier this week. They thanked God for enabling the late Pope to serve his people with love, humility, and commitment. Dignitaries from the central government, the Buganda Kingdom, and other institutions graced the occasion.

The Vice President of Uganda, Retired Major Jessica Alupo, while delivering the President’s message, applauded the Catholic Church and the people of Uganda at large for honouring Pope Francis.
The President extended the country’s deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the leadership of the Catholic Church and to the global Catholic community. President Museveni stated that His Holiness Pope Francis would be remembered as an extraordinary spiritual leader and a deeply respected theologian, whose unwavering commitment to the faith revitalised the Church’s mission in an increasingly secular world.

The Minister of State for Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs, Hon. Kabuye Kyofatogabye, who was also in attendance, said that the most important thing is for the country to emulate and reflect on Pope Francis as a champion of peace, unity, and the environment.
“Once we do that, we will have truly listened to and lived by the teachings that the Pope embodied throughout his 88 years of life. We wish to thank the people of Argentina for giving birth to him, nurturing him, and allowing him to serve the world. I encourage the people of Uganda to plant trees in memory of Pope Francis,” he said.
The Buganda Kingdom’s message was delivered by the Katikkiro, Charles Peter Mayiga, who thanked God for the life of the Pope.

In the same vein, National Unity Platform party president, Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi, affirmed that Pope Francis will be remembered for his kind heart. The Leader of the Opposition in the Ugandan Parliament, Rt. Hon. Joel Senyonyi, thanked the Pope for his service.
“May his resoluteness for a better world continue to inspire us all. Farewell, Pontiff,” he said.
Lubega Mukaaku, former parliamentary candidate, described Pope Francis as a leader whose focus was on humanity, refugees, and other vulnerable groups.
“Believing that Africans can also serve, this was beneficial to the Catholic Church. I’m confident that, despite the challenges within the Church, including the fight against homosexuality, we will overcome, thanks to the foundation the Pope left,” he said.