By Our Reporter
Uganda will be officially represented at the burial of Pope Francis by the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, who is set to lead a high-level delegation of government officials and religious leaders to Vatican City. The visit comes in the wake of the death of the Holy Father on April 21, 2025, marking the end of a deeply influential papacy that resonated strongly across the globe, including in Uganda.
The late Pope Francis, known for his commitment to humility, peace, and care for the marginalized, passed away just days after Christians worldwide celebrated Holy Week and Easter. His burial, scheduled for Saturday, is expected to draw leaders and dignitaries from all corners of the globe, including heads of state, cardinals, bishops, and representatives from various religious traditions.
Uganda’s participation in the solemn occasion highlights the strong ties between the East African nation and the Catholic Church. It also reflects the deep respect that Pope Francis commanded among Ugandans, especially following his historic 2015 visit to the country. During that visit, the pontiff delivered powerful messages about unity, compassion, and the responsibility of caring for the vulnerable—messages that struck a chord with many Ugandans and left a lasting legacy.
Speaker Among, in a statement issued ahead of her travel, paid tribute to Pope Francis, calling him a “devoted spiritual shepherd” and “a bold advocate for social justice and world peace.”
“I join the Catholic Community, Mother Church, and the entire world in praying for the peaceful repose of the soul of the departed Holy Father,” she said. “I have had the privilege and honor of meeting Pope Francis on several occasions. He was a devoted spiritual shepherd, committed to his faith and to the mission of uniting the Church throughout the world.”
She continued, “Pope Francis was passionate about social justice and world peace. He boldly advocated for religious tolerance and forgiveness among the faithful in the Universal Church. His passing, occurring after Holy Week—during which the Risen Lord Jesus Christ overcame death at Easter—is a true testament to the divine grace in which his mission and vocation were rooted.”
As Speaker Among attends the official funeral Mass and other commemorative events at the Vatican, she is not only representing the government of Uganda but also the millions of Ugandans, particularly Catholics, who held the Pope in great esteem.
Her participation is viewed as a gesture of solidarity with the global Catholic community and a reaffirmation of Uganda’s enduring relationship with the Holy See. It also reinforces Uganda’s broader commitment to interfaith harmony and international unity in times of grief and reflection.
The late pontiff’s emphasis on the African continent and his attention to the issues facing the developing world helped strengthen the connection between the Vatican and Uganda. During his 2015 trip, Pope Francis praised the resilience and faith of African Christians and encouraged youth engagement and community empowerment.
As Ugandans follow the proceedings in Rome, many are expected to hold local prayer services and memorial events to honor Pope Francis. Churches across the country have already begun organizing special Masses, with messages of condolence pouring in from both clergy and lay faithful.
The Parliament of Uganda has also expressed its condolences, joining Speaker Among in prayer for the soul of Pope Francis. “Eternal peace grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen,” concluded her heartfelt tribute.
The world now prepares to bid farewell to one of the most influential popes of the modern era, and Uganda stands united with the global community in mourning the loss of a leader who truly embodied the spirit of compassion, unity, and faith.
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