President Yoweri Museveni has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Pope Francis, hailing him as an extraordinary spiritual leader whose legacy of humility, compassion, and interfaith unity transformed lives across the globe.
In an official condolence message to Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, Museveni expressed Uganda’s deepest sympathies to the global Catholic community, following the pontiff’s passing.
“It is with profound sadness that I have received the news of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis,” the president wrote, describing the Pope as a moral beacon in an increasingly secular world.
Museveni lauded Pope Francis’s unwavering dedication to the Christian faith and his bold stance on social justice issues, saying his leadership reinvigorated the Church’s mission and inspired countless people with his humility and compassion
“His voice for peace, social justice, and interfaith dialogue touched the hearts of millions,” Museveni said, drawing special attention to the Pope’s efforts to build bridges with Muslims, Orthodox Christians, and other denominations.
Quoting the parable of the Good Samaritan, Museveni likened the Pope’s ministry to “the Kisinde (track) of Jesus,” highlighting his acts of kindness, simplicity, and service to the marginalized as a true reflection of Christ-like love.
Pope Francis’s passing marks the end of a transformative papacy defined by a deep concern for the poor, a commitment to dialogue, and a humility that resonated across religious and national boundaries.