Today In History: John Paul II is inaugurated as 264th Pope
Oct 22, 2020
Pope John Paul II visited Uganda on February 5, 1993 for five days.
Today In History (October 22, 1978)
On this day, Pope John Paul II began his service. Born Karol Józef Wojtyła, the Pope served until his death in April 2005. Pope Paul II was elected by the second papal conclave of 1978, which was called after Pope John Paul I, died just 33 days after he was elected. He adopted the name of his predecessor in tribute to him. John Paul II is recognised as helping to end Communist rule not only in his native Poland, but also in Europe.
On 19 December 2009, John Paul II was proclaimed venerable by his successor, Benedict XVI, and was beatified on 1 May 2011 after a miracle; the healing of a French nun called Marie Simon Pierre from Parkinson's disease, was attributed to him. A second miracle was approved on July 2, 2013, and confirmed by Pope Francis two days later.
When Pope John Paul II visited Uganda
On February 5, 1993, Pope John Paul II arrived in Uganda for a five-day visit. On his arrival at Entebbe International Airport aboard an Alitalia A300 Airbus, the Pope descended onto the tarmac and kissed the ground before being officially welcomed by President Yoweri Museveni.
During his stay in Uganda, the Pontiff visited different regions of the country. The visit to the different regions reduced on the crowds that would have flocked Kampala from all over the country.
Pope John Paul II spent six days in Uganda. During the trip, he celebrated mass to large crowds in Gulu, Soroti, Kasese and Namugongo, on top of meeting the youth at Nakivubo Stadium.