Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente on Friday evening attended a requiem mass at Regina Pacis Catholic Church in Kigali to mourn and pay tribute to Pope Francis who passed away on Monday, April 21, at the age of 88. ALSO READ: Rwandan Catholics to hold requiem mass for Pope Francis The mass was preceded by a procession of priests, including Bishop Edouard Sinayobye of Cyangugu Diocese, who is also a councillor of the Episcopal Conference of Rwanda, and Bishop Jean-Bosco Ntagungira of Butare Diocese, in honour of Pope Francis. Ngirente wrote a message of condolence for Pope Francis in a book to be sent to Rome. He also comforted Catholics for the loss of Pope Francis. We commend the leadership of the Catholic Church in Rwanda for organising this mass at national level to mourn Pope Francis. This day is also an opportunity to reflect on and appreciate his 12 years of leadership of the Catholic Church. As the government of Rwanda, we are proud of Pope Francis' role in restoring the relationship between the Catholic Church and our country, he said. ALSO READ: One cardinal, eight bishops: Pope Francis’ legacy in Rwanda Rwanda also commends Pope Francis for acknowledging the role the Catholic Church played in Rwanda's history given that some members of the Catholic clergy played a role in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, he said. “We are proud of the good relationship that currently exists between our country and the Catholic Church, founded on truth, reconciliation, and a common goal to improve the welfare of the population,” he noted, as well as reiterated that Rwanda appreciates Pope Francis for enabling the Rwandan Catholic Church to appoint its first cardinal, Cardinal Antoine Kambanda. ALSO READ: In a first, Cardinal Kambanda to be part of conclave that will elect the next Pope Pope Francis also appointed most of the bishops we have today. He has left behind a valuable legacy, one that we can build on as we strive for a good relationship with the Church. Pope Francis was characterised by humility, which should teach us to have a heart of love for the poor and a heart of forgiveness. “These are great values that can help us live in harmony and peace in this world and society in general. As we mourn Pope Francis, we should keep in mind the good things he did and strive to emulate him,” he said. Ngirente also acknowledged the ongoing role of the Catholic Church in Rwanda’s development. ALSO READ: Bizimana commends Pope Francis ‘noble legacy’ in Rwanda-Catholic Church ties “We will continue to enhance cooperation as we share the duty of developing Rwanda. We join all Christians around the world in paying tribute to Pope Francis,” he added. Pope Francis' envoy to Rwanda, Archbishop Arnaldo Catalan, talked about the late Pope's life and ministry, from his early years to his papacy. “Pope Francis is described as a leader who closely identified with the poor, stating, 'My people are poor, and I am one of them,' he said, noting that Pope Francis lived simply, even cooking his own meals, and encouraged others to show mercy and courage in their service to God and others. Pope Francis was vocal about social justice, urging people to follow the teachings of the Church, especially the 10 Commandments, and to always respect the dignity of others. His focus on social issues led him to write four major encyclicals, as well as others addressing love and responsibility toward humanity.” “Pope Francis worked tirelessly for peace and brotherhood, speaking out against self-interest and war,” he added, reminding that Pope Francis encouraged humanity to remember Christ's love for all people, even in times of division and conflict.
