The Church of Uganda has joined the global Christian community in mourning the death of His Holiness Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday.
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, extended condolences to Roman Catholics in Uganda and believers worldwide.
“On behalf of the Church of Uganda, I extend our condolences to all Ugandan Roman Catholics and believers all over the world who are grieving the death of Pope Francis,” Archbishop Kaziimba stated.
Pope Francis, who visited Uganda in 2015, left a lasting impression on both the Catholic and Anglican communities. During his historic visit, he paid homage to the Uganda Martyrs and visited the Uganda Martyrs Museum at the Anglican site in Namugongo.
“As we prepare for the celebration of the Ugandan Martyrs, we especially remember the Pope’s visit to Uganda in 2015 and his appreciation for the Uganda Martyrs Museum at the Anglican site in Namugongo,” said the Archbishop.
During his time at the site, Pope Francis unveiled a dedication stone and offered prayers for the youth of Uganda. His visit underscored his commitment to ecumenism, youth empowerment, and unity among Christians.
“During Pope Francis’ visit to the Uganda Martyrs Museum, he unveiled a dedication stone and offered a prayer that the Uganda Martyrs would continue to inspire generations of youth to follow Christ,” Archbishop Kaziimba recalled.
The Church of Uganda praised the Pope’s unwavering stance on critical global issues, including the sanctity of life, justice for the poor, and spiritual guidance for the youth.
“His dedication to the youth, his pro-life commitments, and his advocacy for the poor and oppressed will be sorely missed in a world that needs them.”
Archbishop Kaziimba concluded his message with a touching biblical reference, honoring the Pope’s life of service and faith.
“He fought the good fight; he finished the race; he kept the faith. Now he, who longed for our Lord’s appearing, receives the crown of righteousness.”
The body of the late Pope Francis will be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday at 9:00 AM to lie in state until his funeral on Saturday morning at 10:00 AM.
The Holy See Press Office has announced that Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside at the funeral Mass, which will be concelebrated by Patriarchs, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and priests from across the globe.
The Eucharistic celebration will conclude with the Ultima commendatio and the Valedictio, marking the beginning of the Novemdiales, or nine days of mourning and Masses for the repose of Pope Francis’ soul.
The late Pope’s body will then be taken into St. Peter’s Basilica and then to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for entombment.
Earlier, on Wednesday, the coffin containing the Pope’s body will be carried from the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will preside over the rite of translation on April 23, which will begin at 9:00 AM with a moment of prayer.
The procession will pass through Santa Marta Square and the Square of the Roman Protomartyrs, according to the Holy See Press Office.
The procession will then exit through the Arch of the Bells into St. Peter’s Square and enter the Vatican Basilica through the central door.
At the Altar of the Confession, the Cardinal Camerlengo will preside over the Liturgy of the Word, at the conclusion of which the visits to the body of the Roman Pontiff will commence.
