Pope Francis was an extraordinary spiritual leader, says Museveni

President Museveni has paid tribute to the late Pope Francis, describing him as an extraordinary spiritual leader whose legacy of compassion, humility, and interfaith unity will endure for generations.

In an official message of condolence addressed to Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, Museveni extended Uganda’s deepest sympathies to the global Catholic community following the pontiff’s death.

“It is with profound sadness that I have received the news of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis,” Museveni wrote.

“His unwavering commitment to the faith revitalized the Church’s mission in an increasingly secular world. His voice for peace, social justice, compassion, and humility touched the hearts of millions.”

Museveni praised Pope Francis’s openness to interfaith dialogue, especially his efforts to engage with Muslims, Orthodox Christians, and other denominations.

He likened the Pope’s approach to the parable of the Good Samaritan, saying the Pontiff truly followed “the Kisinde (track) of Jesus.”

Francis, the first pope from the Global South and the first Jesuit to occupy the papal throne, died earlier this week at the age of 88 after a period of declining health.

As Uganda and other countries continue to mourn, preparations for his funeral have drawn global attention.

On Wednesday, the Pope’s body was moved to St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, where tens of thousands of mourners are expected to pay their respects in a three-day public viewing. Vatican officials confirmed that the late pontiff will lie in state until Friday evening, ahead of his state funeral scheduled for Saturday morning.

Leaders from across the globe are expected to attend the funeral Mass, which will be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals.

Among the confirmed dignitaries are former U.S. President Donald Trump, Britain’s Prince William representing King Charles III, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

President Museveni is expected to be represented by Vice President Jessica Alupo or a senior envoy from the Foreign Affairs ministry.

In Uganda, where Catholics make up about 39% of the population, the news of Pope Francis’s death has prompted nationwide prayers and commemorations.

The Uganda Episcopal Conference announced special Masses across the country, and the Namugongo Martyrs Shrine will host a memorial Mass on Sunday.

Pope Francis visited Uganda in 2015 as part of his first African tour, where he praised the Ugandan martyrs and urged young people to fight corruption and build a future rooted in justice and integrity.

That visit left a lasting impact, and several Ugandan leaders have since described it as one of the most unifying spiritual moments in the country’s recent history.

Museveni, who met the Pope during that visit, recalled Francis’s humility and courage in facing challenges both within and outside the Church.

“His legacy of love, unity, and service to humanity will endure for generations to come,” the President said.

The Vatican has declared a nine-day mourning period, during which dioceses across the world have been encouraged to hold prayer vigils and memorials.

As the bells toll for the late Pontiff in Kampala and elsewhere, tributes continue to pour in from religious leaders, civil society, and ordinary citizens who remember Pope Francis as a shepherd who walked closely with the people—especially the poor, the marginalised, and the voiceless.

In an official message of condolence addressed to Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, Museveni extended Uganda’s deepest sympathies to the global Catholic community following the pontiff’s death.