MPs pay tribute to Pope
Apr 05, 2005
PARLIAMENT yesterday passed a resolution to pay tribute to Pope John Paul II.
By Henry Mukasa and Cyprian Musoke
PARLIAMENT yesterday passed a resolution to pay tribute to Pope John Paul II.
The motion, moved by Annette Mukabera (Kisoro) and seconded by Justin Lumumba (Bugiri) was unanimously adopted.
Makabera moved the motion after foreign affairs minister Sam Kuteesa informed the House of the steps the Government had taken to pay tribute to the Pope and condole the Catholic Church.
Kuteesa said besides a message sent to the Vatican and the Papal nuncio, flags flying at half-mast and President Museveni attending a requiem mass at Lubaga Cathedral, the Vice-President, Prof. Gilbert Bukenya, was expected to fly to Rome last night with a delegation.
“It’s no secret to anybody what a great man the Pope was. Not only was he a leader with immense qualities but a fighter for social justice. His role in changing the political climate in Europe was immense,†Kuteesa said.
Mukabera who is the chairperson of the Parliament Catholic Chaplaincy, said the Pope fought for the goodness of humanity.
“He was a humble, determined and dedicated servant of God, an ambassador of peace and a champion of unity. He visited synagogues and mosques, reached out to the needy and condemned atrocities,†Mukabera said.
She said the Pope showed that history should not form part of hatred for leaders.
“In his last days, he refused to be taken to hospital showing he was ready to meet his father. As leaders, we pray that when our time is over, we are prepared,†she said.
Lumumba said the Pope condemned atrocities committed by LRA rebels in the north and encouraged the women to speak out on their issues.
PARLIAMENT yesterday passed a resolution to pay tribute to Pope John Paul II.
The motion, moved by Annette Mukabera (Kisoro) and seconded by Justin Lumumba (Bugiri) was unanimously adopted.
Makabera moved the motion after foreign affairs minister Sam Kuteesa informed the House of the steps the Government had taken to pay tribute to the Pope and condole the Catholic Church.
Kuteesa said besides a message sent to the Vatican and the Papal nuncio, flags flying at half-mast and President Museveni attending a requiem mass at Lubaga Cathedral, the Vice-President, Prof. Gilbert Bukenya, was expected to fly to Rome last night with a delegation.
“It’s no secret to anybody what a great man the Pope was. Not only was he a leader with immense qualities but a fighter for social justice. His role in changing the political climate in Europe was immense,†Kuteesa said.
Mukabera who is the chairperson of the Parliament Catholic Chaplaincy, said the Pope fought for the goodness of humanity.
“He was a humble, determined and dedicated servant of God, an ambassador of peace and a champion of unity. He visited synagogues and mosques, reached out to the needy and condemned atrocities,†Mukabera said.
She said the Pope showed that history should not form part of hatred for leaders.
“In his last days, he refused to be taken to hospital showing he was ready to meet his father. As leaders, we pray that when our time is over, we are prepared,†she said.
Lumumba said the Pope condemned atrocities committed by LRA rebels in the north and encouraged the women to speak out on their issues.