His Excellence Archbishop Luigi Bianco the Pope Nuncio to Uganda has described the late Pope Francis as a true disciple of Christ in his 12 year Papal pastoral life.
During the special requiem mass held on 25th April 2025 at St. Mary’s Lubaga Cathedral to pray for His Holiness Pope Francis, Archbishop Bianco, said Pope Francis lived to the evangelical requirements; preached peace, justice and love for all that is obtained through the mercy of God.
The Papal Nuncio drew inspiration from the late Pope Francis’ teachings, emphasising that peace is essential for humanity’s well-being. He stressed that the Church should champion the gospel of peace, love, and compassion, particularly for those in need, as Jesus taught and entrusted to his followers.
He will also be remembered for his endless efforts to protect the mother Earth.
In prayer and salvation of the souls Pope Francis canonized 942 saints, and beautified over 1500 Venerables that include Fr. Dr. Joseph Ambrosoli – an Italian Comboni Priest who offered his whole through medical treatment to the people of Kalongo in a mission in East Acholi. He was beatified on November 20, 2022.
He hailed the congregation for having turned up in big number to pray for the late Pope Francis and reminded them of the Jubilee year announced by Pope Francis with the theme; “Be Pilgrims of Hope” which emphasizes genuine personal encounter with Christ our hope and savior.
Archbishop Bianco prayed for the eternal repose of Pope Francis the 266th Pope and the College of Cardinals through the inspired be guided as they elect the new Pope.
Archbishop Bianco co-celebrated the Mass among other clergy the Chairman Uganda Episcopal Conference Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Antony Zziwa, Archbishop Emmanuel Obbo of Tororo Archdiocese and Pope Nuncio Augustine Kasujja.
In presence was a number of Dignitaries from foreign missions, Her Excellence Jessica Alupo represented the central government as a special guest, Ministers, Members of Parliament, the leader of Opposition National Unity Platform Robert Kyagulanyi.
Crowds of mourners had a three days of paying tribute and prayed for Pope Francis whose coffin lied in state in front of the Papal Altar at St. Peters Basilica since Wednesday 23rd April to Friday 25th April before his final resting place at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major on Saturday 26th April 2025.
At least 250,000 people attended Pope Francis’s funeral and a total of 130 delegations, including presidents and reigning monarchs, among them Argentine President Javier Milei, Britain’s Prince William, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, US President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky and high-profile guests.
Pope Francis 88, died of a stroke and subsequent heart failure, at his apartment at Casa Santa Marta on Monday 21st April 2025 on the celebration of Easter Monday, according to the Vatican.
By Jjunju Francis
27th April 2025
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