Ntagungira, formerly the Chief Priest at Regina Pacis Parish in Kigali, brings a wealth of experience and a deep sense of responsibility to his new role.
Born on April 3, 1964, Bishop Ntagungira pursued his education at the Kigali minor seminary and Rutongo preparatory seminary, continuing his studies at the major seminary in Nyakibanda. He was ordained as a priest on August 1, 1993, in the Archdiocese of Kigali.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, he shared his thoughts on his appointment, his experiences within the Church's tribunal, and his perspectives on key global issues facing the Catholic Church.
Bishop Ntagungira expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him by Pope Francis, acknowledging the mixture of joy and anxiety that accompanies such a significant responsibility.
"You feel joy, but also anxiety and concern because it would be a mistake to say, 'I can do this, I will be able to handle it.' It's about saying, 'Lord, you have chosen me for this; together with the other bishops, priests, and faithful of the diocese, we will work as one.' That gives me confidence and eases my anxiety," he said.
He emphasized that his leadership will be marked by collaboration and a shared journey of faith and development with the Christians of the Diocese of Butare.
"It's about giving them the opportunity to express how they feel their Church should operate. This is crucial for the faithful, the priests, and other diocesan partners. It's important to take time to listen, to reflect together because a bishop is not someone who makes decisions alone," Ntagungira underscored.
Father Ntagungira also expressed his confidence in fulfilling his new responsibilities with the continued support and guidance of his predecessor, Bishop Philippe Rukamba.
Serving in Church tribunal management
Bishop Ntagungira has held various significant roles within the Church. After his ordination, he served as the Director of studies at Ndera minor seminary from 1993 to 1994.
His academic achievements led him to the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome, where he earned a doctorate in canon law. Upon his return to Rwanda, he held several key positions, including Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Kigali and President of the diocesan Commission for Missions and Ecumenism from 2001 to 2002.
In addition to his administrative duties, Ntagungira served as Rector of the Saint Vincent minor seminary in Ndera and played a crucial role at the Interdiocesan Ecclesiastical Tribunal of Kigali since 2002. He explained that the tribunal handles various cases, including those involving priests who have engaged in improper conduct, as well as other matters concerning the Catholic faithful.
"The Church, like any other society, has its courts with various levels. There are courts that handle ordinary cases, whether involving a priest or a layperson who has done something wrong. These courts conduct investigations, pass judgments, and impose penalties," he said.
The tribunal also addresses cases regarding the annulment of marriages under specific circumstances, differing from civil divorce by declaring a marriage invalid from the start if serious issues were present at the time of the union.
Priestly marriages and homosexuality in the Church
Addressing the growing call for priests to be allowed to marry, particularly in regions with declining clergy numbers, Bishop Ntagungira emphasized the importance of understanding the commitment to celibacy made by priests.
"When you enter the priesthood, you do so knowing that you are committing to celibacy. The reason is that we must be selfless parents to many, not bound to just one family," he said. He added that if a priest chooses to leave the priesthood, the community should support rather than judge them.
On the topic of homosexuality within the Church, Bishop Ntagungira addressed the recent discussions about homosexuals receiving blessings from clergy, as allowed by Pope Francis.
However, he made it clear that the Catholic Church does not endorse same-sex relationships and cannot recognize same-sex couples as a family.
"You cannot make a family out of a same-sex couple because that would contradict the divine commandment given to Adam and Eve to 'be fruitful and multiply.' This is not something that can be overlooked," he stated.
While individuals may receive blessings as children of God, the Church remains committed to teaching its stance and ensuring that individuals understand their position within the Church doctrine.
Bishop Ntagungira expressed his gratitude to the faithful of Regina Pacis Parish, where he previously served, and assured the Christians of the Diocese of Butare that he looks forward to working together to foster collaboration and unity.
IGIHE
