President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has described the fallen Pontiff Pope Francis as “an extraordinary spiritual leader” whose humility and advocacy for social justice made him one of the most beloved religious figures of our time.
In an official eulogy on his official X platform, the president expressed grief at the pope’s demise.
“It is with profound sadness that I have received the news of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis,” President Museveni wrote in his emotional letter addressed to His Eminence Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State.
The President, speaking for both the Government and the people of Uganda, conveyed deep condolences to the Vatican and the entire Catholic world:
“On behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of Uganda, and on my own behalf, I extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to you and, through you, to the entire Catholic Church worldwide.” he said
Museveni did not hold back on praise, calling Pope Francis a trailblazer in a world increasingly losing touch with spiritual values:
“His Holiness Pope Francis will be remembered as an extraordinary spiritual leader and a deeply respected theologian whose unwavering commitment to the faith revitalized the Church’s mission in an increasingly secular world.”
He further hailed the Pope’s global impact, saying:
“His voice for peace, social justice, compassion, and humility touched the hearts of millions and inspired hope among the faithful.”
But it was Museveni’s mention of interfaith unity that carried the strongest spiritual punch. He likened Pope Francis to the Good Samaritan in the Gospel of Luke 10:29–37, noting:
“His readiness and enthusiasm to deal with other faiths such as the Moslems, the Orthodox Christians, etc, meant that he was a religious leader who was truly in the Kisinde (track) of Jesus as Jesus taught us in the parable of the Good Samaritan.”
According to Museveni, Pope Francis didn’t just preach, he lived the message of Christ:
“His legacy of love, unity, and service to humanity will endure for generations to come.”
With Uganda’s sizable Catholic population grieving alongside the rest of the world, the President affirmed the nation’s solidarity:
“We stand in solidarity with Catholics in Uganda and around the globe during this time of mourning.”
The message concluded on a solemn but hopeful note:
“May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Pope Francis’s body has been moved from his residence in the Vatican to lie in state at St Peter’s Basilica where mourners are now filing past the coffin, which will stay in front of the Papal Altar during the three days of public mourning.
