Wearing Pope Francis' shoes for a day

It is one thing that many cannot fathom; being Pope for a day? But, secondary school students had something to say to Harriet Birungi when she asked them if they became the Pontiff for one day.

I would preach forgiveness
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I would preach forgiveness. Without forgiveness, there is a high chance of fighting and other problems cropping up. I would also preach the gospel of our Lord, so that the whole country knows God and turns away from their sinful ways.
William Akankwasa, S 1, Mengo Secondary School


I would convert nonbelievers

I would ensure that many nonbelievers convert to the Catholic faith. I would preach to them and give them Holy Scriptures to read.
Milly Ssebunya, S 2, Makerere College School


I would pray for peaceful elections

I would get people to denounce Illuminate because that is not the best way of getting rich. If you pray, work hard and are patient, you can become wealthy. Also, as leader of the church, I would remind people about Jesus’ coming, urging them to repent so that they can go to heaven. I would pray for peace particularly in the countries of Africa, more so Uganda, as we elect new leaders. No nation should shed blood just to have new leadership. I would ask those nations to take off three days of prayer and fasting.
Alice Nabuduwa, S 1 Kololo High School


I would stop religious wars

I would advise people all over the world to live in unity and stop religious wars because the Bible says we should love each other as our Master Jesus did.
Maureen Baluka, S 2, Makerere College Schoo


I would explain illuminati rumours
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We hear that the Pope is part of the illuminati. I would come clean on this and work hard to see to it that everything I do is for the good of the Catholic Church and that I am not misinterpreted.
Leo Oswald S. 3, Makerere College School


I would advocate for roads

I would advocate for better roads with clear pavements for pedestrians to enjoy their country. I would allocate land for the construction of more places of worship so that the gospel is well spread.
Melissa Murekatete, S 3, Makerere College School


I would discourage alcoholism
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I would make sure I preach against drinking alcohol and homosexuality as bad practices that hinder the development of families.
Julius Gutaka, S 1, Kololo High School


I would fight corruption in church
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I would distribute documents against corruption and also endeavour to eliminate fights in church brought about by get rich-quick schemes.
Maureen Mbatudde, S 3, Cambridge Secondary School


I would encourage rosary reciting
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I would encourage people to embrace rosary reciting in the novena month of October and also welcome those on the wrong path of life to change their ways and come back to God.
Francis Kagwa, S 1, Kololo High School


I would fight crime
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I would emphasise the love of one another, because you cannot say you love one another if you are engaged in devil worship. I would advocate for the end of crimes in developing countries by ensuring Christians are well supported in their walks of life
Kerin Atimango, S 1, Kololo High School


I would bridge the economic gap
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There is a big disparity between the rich who reside in Kololo, Muyenga and those in Kasubi and Wandegeya. So, I would say massive prayers for this nation to become better in terms of economy. On the political scene, I would pray for peace and stability in the country.
Denis Lukoma, S 5, Mengo Secondary School 


I would bring back the lost sheep
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Many people have left mainstream Christianity in search of money. They have become the devil himself because they want to get rich at all costs. Those would be my main focus, encouraging them to come back to God and also remind them that the end is coming. I do not know if one day is enough, but I would try.
Maria Violet Namusoke, S 2, Cambridge Secondary School