Museveni, African leaders praise Pope Francis

TRIBUTE  

"His Holiness Pope Francis will 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," says President Yoweri Museveni.

The President, on behalf of Government and the people of Uganda (Tuesday) issued the official statement eulogising Pope Francis, who died on Monday in the Vatican.

Museveni joins several African leaders who praised the "legacy of compassion" and "commitment to inclusivity".

The President's eulogy is contained in a letter to Pietro Parolin Cardinal Secretary of State of Vatican City.

Museveni's condolence message in FULL..

"Your Eminence Pietro Paroli,

It is with profound sadness that I have received the news of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.

On behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of Uganda, and on my own behalf, I extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to you and, through you, to the entire Catholic Church worldwide.

His Holiness Pope Francis will 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. 

His voice for peace, social justice, compassion, and humility touched the hearts of millions and inspired hope among the faithful.

His readiness and enthusiasm to deal with other faiths such as the Muslims, the Orthodox Christians, etc, meant that he was a religious leader who was truly in the Kisinde (track) of Jesus as Jesus taught us in the parable of the Good Samaritan in the book of Luke 10:29-37. His legacy of love, unity, and service to humanity will endure for generations to come.

We stand in solidarity with Catholics in Uganda and around the globe during this time of mourning.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Please accept, Your Eminence, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Yoweri K. Museveni
President of the Republic of Uganda 

Museveni and several African leaders joined global mourning over his death on Monday.

The Argentine-born pontiff made his first two-day trip to Uganda on November 27 and 28, 2015. On his six-day trip to Africa, he also visited Central African Republic (CAR) and Kenya.

Francis, whose real name was Jorge Bergoglio, had been leader of the Catholic Church since March 2013 and was the first Jesuit to lead the world's almost 1.4 billion Catholics.

Africa accounts for an estimated 20 percent of the world's Catholics, according to the most recent Vatican statistics, most of them in Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya.

Leaders' Tributes:

The chairman of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, praised "the Pope's courageous engagement with the African continent, amplifying the voices of the voiceless, championing peace and reconciliation, and standing in solidarity with those affected by conflict and poverty".

Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu mourned the passing of a "tireless champion of the poor" and the world's "most trenchant voice" against climate change.

Kenya's President William Ruto said his death was "a big loss to the Catholic faithful and the Christian world".

"He exemplified servant leadership through his humility, his unwavering commitment to inclusivity and justice, and his deep compassion for the poor and the vulnerable," Ruto wrote on X.

DR Congo President Felix Tshisekedi paid tribute to a "great servant of God, whose life was a vibrant testimony of faith, humility, and unwavering commitment to peace, justice, and human dignity".

Pope Francis repeatedly appealed for an end to the long-running conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

'Legacy of compassion'

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa paid tribute to Francis's "extraordinary life story" and "care for marginalised individuals and groups".

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed hoped "his legacy of compassion, humility, and service to humanity continue to inspire generations to come," Abiy wrote on X.

Francis's death came just a day after he delighted the crowds of worshippers at the Vatican on Easter Sunday with an appearance on the balcony at Saint Peter's Basilica.

He had spent 38 days being treated for double pneumonia at Rome's Gemelli hospital before seeming to recover and leaving the facility on March 23.

Malawi's President Lazarus Chakwera, who met the pope last year, highlighted Francis's papal letter Laudato Si' from 2015, which linked environmental concerns with moral responsibility.

Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina said the pope's visit to the island in 2019 "was an unforgettable historical and spiritual event forever engraved in our hearts".

Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye spoke of a "major spiritual figure", while his Sierra Leone counterpart Julius Maada Bio said he was "heartbroken" by the news.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said the pope's passing was "a profound loss for the entire world, as he was a voice of peace, love and compassion".

He "worked tirelessly to promote tolerance and build bridges of dialogue... and was a champion of the Palestinian cause, defending legitimate rights and calling for an end to conflict", said Sisi.