'Let's plant trees in honour of Pope Francis'

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Catholic faithful in Teso on Friday held a Mass in honour of the late Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday at the age of 88.

The Argentine pontiff, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was laid to rest in Rome on Saturday, after which the formalities to elect his successor will begin.

After thousands of people had viewed his body lying in state in St Peter's Basilica at the Vatican until Friday, around 250,000 people, including world leaders and royals, attended Pope Francis' solemn funeral.

Priests arriving for the mass at St Patrick Madera. (Credit: Godfrey Ojore)

Many miles away, in Uganda's eastern city of Soroti at St Patrick Madera Catholic Madera parish, Vicar General Robert Ecogu implored the faithful on the eve of the funeral to plant trees in memory of Pope Francis, a renowned advocate of environmental protection.

A student of St Peters Minor Seminary Madera signing a condolence book in honour of Pope Francis at St Patrick Madera in Soroti city. (Credit: Godfrey Ojore)

“I am happy seeing you young people in the church. If each one of you owned trees, these wild vagaries disturbing our farmers would be a thing of the past,” he said.

Ecogu said Pope Francis died, rallying the people of the world to take care of Mother Nature.

“I hope that the spirit of protecting Mother Nature dwells in us and we ensure each one of us plants one or two trees in our homes."

'Pope Francis loved harmony'

Former Soroti City East MP, Moses Attan, remembered the Pope for his pursuit of peace in the world, especially his role in brokering peace in Uganda's northern neighbour, South Sudan.

“He knelt and kissed the leaders of South Sudan as he prayed for peace. He loved dialogue and harmony. I will live to remember him for his humility to the world," he said.

Fr Deograrious Oriengatum of Kumi mission promised to plant trees in his church in memory of Pope Francis, a man he said exhibited the highest level of tolerance.

Lay Christian Catherine Taiba remembered the late Pope for his simplicity and his openness to the flock he pastored.

“Even in death, he has remained simple. It is not going to be a pomp funeral, a sign of a true man of God," she said.

Fr John Eriau said the late pontiff had open hands to welcome all people to know Jesus Christ, a role he said he did extremely well.