Father Pius Male Ssentumbwe, Chancellor of the Kampala Archdiocese, noted that the Kampala Archdiocese, in conjunction with the Uganda Episcopal Conference in Nsabya and consultation with the Papal Nuncio in Mbuya, has organised a requiem mass for the Pope. The mass will be led by the Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda, Archbishop Luigi Bianco, at Lubaga Cathedral on Friday.
The Catholic Church in Uganda says it is not preparing
to send a delegation to the Vatican for Pope Francis' sendoff.
The 88-year-old pontiff died on Monday following a
stroke and cardiac arrest, after spending several weeks in the hospital earlier
this year for double pneumonia.
While at the Lubaga Cathedral, where a condolence book
has been opened, Father
Pius Male Ssentumbwe, Chancellor of the Kampala Archdiocese, stated that there
are no specific delegations from Uganda attending the Pope's burial at the
Vatican.
“There are no plans for
a special delegation from Uganda to attend the burial. However, Ugandan
seminarians and priests in Rome will represent the country at the Vatican.
Instead, we have been asked to hold special prayers across the country, in
dioceses, parishes, and homes.”Father Ssentubwe said.
He, however, noted that the Kampala
Archdiocese, in conjunction with the Uganda Episcopal Conference in Nsabya and consultation with the Papal Nuncio in Mbuya, has organised a requiem mass
for the Pope. The mass will be led by the Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda,
Archbishop Luigi Bianco, at Lubaga Cathedral on Friday.
On Uganda's strong
attachment to the Pope, Ssentumbwe noted that Uganda was among the fortunate
countries to have hosted the Pope shortly after his election, which underscored
the Pope's affection for Uganda.
//Cue in: “Uganda yali
yamukisa…
Cue out: … nti bwetwafuna okukyala.” //
When asked about the
Church's stance on prayers for an African pope, Ssentumbwe said having an
African pope would be a great blessing for the African Church, but emphasised
that the focus should be on praying for a worthy and effective leader, rather
than a specific outcome.
//Cue in: “ e kanisa
yandibade…
Cue out: … naye tusaba nti.” //
Prominent figures,
including Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and KCCA Executive Director Sharifah
Buzeki, were among the first to sign the condolence book at Lubaga Cathedral,
paying their respects. After signing the condolence book, Sharifah Buzeki told journalists that
Pope Francis was a transformative figure, a leader whose commitment to peace,
compassion, and inclusivity transcended borders and beliefs.
She added that the Pope
united people from all walks of life, consistently reminding the world of the
importance of love and dignity for every individual.
//Cue in: “we encourage
people…
Cue out: … to reflect
on .” //
Lukwago described the late Pope as a humble figure who blessed
everyone. Lukwago noted that the Pope was a strong advocate for peace and
stability, which should continue to inspire the world.
//Cue in: “abasirikale
bebatukuba…
Cue out: … mutekewo embera.” //
The Pope's coffin
entered St. Peter's Basilica for the final time around 10:33 a.m. Ugandan time on Wednesday,
accompanied by hymns and the tolling of bells.
According to the Vatican, the
Pope would be buried on Saturday in the Basilica of St. Mary Major's Pauline
Chapel.
Kamali. M James
Freelancer