Clare N
Catholics in Fort Portal Diocese have today morning gathered at Virika Cathedral to pray for the peaceful repose of their beloved Pope Francis 88, who passed away on Easter Monday morning, April 21, 2025, at his residence in Casa Santa Marta, Rome, Italy.
Francis died of “cerebral stroke, coma, irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse”, the death certificate said. It added that the first Latin American pontiff in the history of the Roman Catholic Church died at 7:35am (08: 35 EAT) in his apartment at the Santa Marta residence in the Vatican
Catholic Bishops Mourn Pope Francis
On the fateful Easter Monday, yesterday, the Papal Nuncio to Uganda, H.E. Luigi Bianco, officially informed the Catholic Bishops of the Holy Father’s passing, calling for prayers for the repose of the Holy Father’s soul.
While delivering the homily, Bishop Robert K.Muhiirwa Akiiki reflected on the symbolic timing of the Pope’s death just a day after he addressed and blessed a large crowd on Easter Sunday, regarding this as a divine opportunity for the Pope to offer his final blessing to the world before being called back by God.
Pope of the poor
Describing him as a faithful servant of the Church, Bishop Muhiirwa commended Pope Francis for leading with humility and diligence since his election in 2013. He praised the Pope’s emphasis on mercy, and commitment to uplifting the vulnerable, including the poor, the sick, and children and making the church realize the importance of attending to these special groups.
“Pope Francis showed us a way as the church to realize the importance of taking care of the poor, a testament that he truly lived a fulfilling life similar to that of the patron saint he chose to be named after, St. Francis of Asiisi.” Said Bishop Muhiirwa
The Bishop urged religious and civic leaders to embrace Pope Francis’ call to “smell like their sheep” by living close to the people they serve and prioritizing social justice.
Bishop Muhiirwa also encouraged the faithful to carry forward the Pope’s legacy by journeying together in unity, especially during this Jubilee Year of Hope and continued prayers for Pope Francis’ peaceful rest.
What Other Christians Say
Mr. Joseph Mugenyi, a parishioner of Virika Parish, remembered Pope Francis as a strong advocate for social justice, recalling the Pope’s memorable speeches during his 2015 visit to Uganda, that focused on caring for the poor.
“In all his speeches as he addressed different groups during his 2015 Visit in Uganda, Pope Francis emphasized the need to take care of the needy like the poor, the marginalized, extending acts of mercy to the needy towards others, something I will never forget. The Church has lost such a strong pillar. May his soul rest in peace” remarked Mugenyi
Rev. Sr. Euniah Moraa, a Munyatereza, credited the Pope’s unique approach to recognizing Women in church leadership, saying that Pope Francis’ Papacy changed the narrative and elevated the role of religious women through appointing them in key Vatican positions.
Sr Moraa, also highlighted on role played by Pope Francis in advocating for nature restoration through his encyclical Laudato si, which inspired millions to take action in restoring the beauty of creation.
A gender Responsive Pope
Earlier this year, Sister Simona Brambilla, was appointed to oversee a major Vatican office, after being named by Pope Francis to head the Dicastery for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, which is responsible for overseeing all religious orders for men and women in the Catholic Church. While this appointment was recognized as a win for the push to put more women in decision-making positions within the Church, many critics questioned the Pope’s decision to name Cardinal Angel Fernandez Artime as co-leader of the department
What will Pope Francis be remembered for?
- First Jesuit Pope: Pope Francis is the first pope in history to come from the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), a Roman Catholic religious order founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola in the 16th century.
- First Pope from the Americas: He is the first pope to hail from the Americas, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936. His birth name is Jorge Mario Bergoglio.
- Took the Name “Francis”: After his election as pope in 2013, he chose the name “Francis” in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, known for his commitment to poverty, humility, and peace.
- Focus on the Poor: Pope Francis has consistently emphasized the importance of caring for the poor and marginalized, aligning his papacy with a strong focus on social justice, charity, and solidarity.
- Environmental Advocacy: He has been a vocal advocate for environmental protection, with his 2015 encyclical “Laudato Si’,” which calls for global action on climate change and the care of the Earth, emphasizing the need for sustainable development.
- Reforming the Vatican: Pope Francis has worked on reforming the Vatican bureaucracy, known as the Curia, making it more transparent, efficient, and accountable. He established a commission to address financial reforms as well.
- Dialogue with Other Religions: He has been committed to interfaith dialogue, strengthening relationships with Jews, Muslims, and other religious groups. His 2016 visit to the United Arab Emirates was the first papal visit to the Arabian Peninsula.
- Pope for the Marginalized: He often speaks out on behalf of refugees, migrants, and displaced persons, calling for compassion and the protection of human dignity. He has criticized walls and borders that divide people.
- Papal Visits and Global Outreach: Pope Francis has traveled extensively, visiting over 50 countries during his papacy. He is known for his emphasis on meeting people where they are, especially in conflict zones and areas of great need.
- Support for Women’s Role in the Church: While the Catholic Church maintains its traditional stance on the ordination of women, Pope Francis has made efforts to elevate the role of women within the Church, appointing women to key Vatican positions and emphasizing their importance in church leadership and service.
