‘In 13 years of his papacy, he gave us so much’: Rwandans mourn Pope Francis

Hundreds gathered at Regina Pacis Catholic Church in Remera on Friday evening, April 25, for a requiem mass to honor Pope Francis, who died on Monday, April 21, at age 88. Church leaders, government officials, and members of the Catholic community gathered to honor Pope Francis, remembered for his humility, compassion, and deep connection to youth and the marginalized during his nearly 13-year papacy. ALSO READ: Bizimana commends Pope Francis ‘noble legacy’ in Rwanda-Catholic Church ties Among the heartfelt testimonies was one from Divine Mpinganzima, a representative of the Catholic Church youth in Rwanda, who shared her personal encounters with Pope Francis and his enduring impact on her life and faith. ALSO READ: One cardinal, eight bishops: Pope Francis’ legacy in Rwanda “Pope Francis walked with us in building the life of Christ from our culture as a nation. He showed us that we are the heart of the Church, and he urged us, especially as young people, to actively participate in shaping and renewing it.” Mpinganzima recalled the Pope’s memorable message to the youth during World Youth Day in Portugal, where she had represented Rwanda. “He gave us three powerful lessons, first, as a nation, we must be a light to others. Second, we must listen to what God wants from us, and that begins with reading the Bible. Third, he told us not to fear challenges but to look to Jesus for strength,” Mpinganzima said. Her words painted a picture of a leader who inspired courage and spiritual discipline. “I met him again in 2024 in Rome, during another international gathering. This time, I got the chance to talk to him. I told him we love him as young people and asked him to pray for us to be humble because humility is what we saw in him.” Mpinganzima recalled asking Pope Francis for a selfie, which he warmly accepted. She said that the small gesture spoke volumes about who he was. “He even gave us a gift of a rosary and encouraged us to recite it faithfully. Since then, I started praying regularly, and I have seen real change in my life.” Mpinganzima, reflecting on her experiences, urged fellow youth to embrace the pope’s teachings. “He told us to pray for priests and nuns who have dedicated their lives to God and he also asked us to pray for him. Now, we must continue doing that. Let us remember everything he taught us and pray that his soul rests in eternal peace.” Sister Genevieve Uwamariya, speaking on behalf of Rwanda’s nuns, spoke about the Pope’s legacy of joy and friendship. “In nearly 13 years of his papacy, he gave us so much. He urged us to be holy, to be happy, and to embrace God’s love. He taught us to live in harmony and friendship with one another.” Sister Uwamariya also said that the Pope’s lasting influence was through his message to Rwandan youth. In October 2021, Pope Francis addressed the youth through, “A Letter to Young Rwandans: Guard the Peace, Water the Roots.” In the letter, he urged the youth in the country to safeguard peace and nurture the roots of reconciliation and unity in the country. Bishop Edouard Sinayobye of Cyangugu Diocese offered a pastoral reflection, saying that the Rwandan church had been praying for Pope Francis since he was admitted to hospital. Even when he returned home, his energy was limited but the Pope still found the strength to address the world on Easter Sunday from St. Peter’s Square, he noted. In his Urbi et Orbi message, the Pope called for peace, global disarmament, and the release of prisoners. “He reminded us of the true meaning of the Church, that it is not just a place to gather, but a place where transformation begins,” Sinayobye said. The bishop also noted the Pope’s long-standing connection with Rwanda, referencing President Paul Kagame’s 2017 visit to the Vatican, where they both had a meaningful conversation. “He knew Rwanda. He understood us. Now, we believe he will speak to Jesus on our behalf.” Throughout the ceremony, Pope Francis was remembered not only as a spiritual leader but as a symbol of humility and compassion. His acts of washing the feet of prisoners, women, refugees, and the disabled were mentioned as emblematic of his servant leadership. Most recently, on March 28, 2024, he washed the feet of 12 female inmates at a Roman prison during Holy Thursday observances, continuing a tradition he had maintained since the early days of his papacy.

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‘In 13 years of his papacy, he gave us so much’: Rwandans mourn Pope Francis