MUGABE R
As the world continues to mourn the passing of Pope Francis, strong believers in Rukungiri District have joined millions across the globe in expressing their heartfelt condolences for the late Pontiff, fondly remembered as the “Pope of the Poor.”
The faithful in Rukungiri recall Pope Francis’s historic pastoral visit to Uganda on November 28, 2015, during which he hailed Uganda as a home for refugees and a symbol of hospitality in Africa.
Hon. Mary Paula Kebirungi Turyahikayo, former Rubabo County Member of Parliament and a pilgrim to the Vatican, described Pope Francis as a “down-to-earth man of God and a well-wisher of the poor and displaced.”
Lawrence Kashumbusha Tycoon, the Head of Laity at Ruruku Catholic Center and a member of the Christ the King Parish Council, also expressed sorrow at the Pope’s passing. He remembered the late Pope as a peacemaker and prayed for his eternal rest.
Byamukama Protazio, a devout Christian from Rwamagaya Parish, reflected on the spiritual growth he witnessed under Pope Francis’s papacy. He emphasized that death is part of God’s command and proposed that Uganda declare a public holiday on the day of Pope Francis’s funeral mass in honor of his legacy.
Pope Francis’ funeral Mass will take place Saturday, April 26, at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square, the Vatican announced Tuesday.
The Mass will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals.
Following the funeral, the pope’s coffin will be taken to St. Peter’s Basilica and then to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for burial.
