From 1994 to 2017, a dark cloud hung over the relationship between the Church and Rwanda. Clergy were accused of inciting hatred that led to the genocide, and some even actively participated, killing people they were entrusted to guide with the Gospel.
Churches, once seen as sanctuaries for the weary, became killing grounds. Many who sought refuge within them in 1994 were slaughtered, often in the presence of priests and nuns who did nothing to stop the bloodshed.
During the 2016 National dialogue council (Umushyikirano), President Paul Kagame openly questioned why the Catholic Church had apologized for its failings in other countries, such as the U.S., Ireland, and Australia, but failed to do the same in Rwanda.
'If apologies have been issued in America, Ireland, and Australia by the Pope himself, leader of the Catholic Church, why is it that doing the same in Rwanda is perceived as admitting the Church used people to commit genocide? Why shouldn't he do it as he did elsewhere, even for lesser crimes?'
This statement followed a controversial apology made by Rwanda's Catholic bishops on behalf of individual Catholics who had taken part in the genocide. Many criticized it for not coming from the Church as an institution.
A turning point in 2017
On May 20, 2017, President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame visited the Vatican, where they met Pope Francis. The encounter marked a diplomatic breakthrough.
During their meeting, Pope Francis requested for 'God's forgiveness for the sins and failings of the Church and its members, including clergy, who were overcome by hatred and violence, and abandoned their evangelical mission' in what had happened in Rwanda.
He expressed 'deep personal sorrow, sorrow from the Holy See, and from the entire Church,' and emphasized his 'solidarity with those who were devastated and those still affected by the tragedy.'
'He humbly acknowledged the Church's moral failings during that time, failings that stained its image,' it was noted. This long-awaited apology came at a critical time. Tensions were high, and some Church members said there were those in Rwanda who wanted to bring the Church to its knees.
Was the Church forced to its knees?
Bishop Emeritus Smaragde Mbonyintege of the Kabgayi Diocese told IGIHE that there were individuals in Rwanda who wanted to forcibly subdue the Church into apologizing.
'I thank God that this issue was resolved by Pope Francis and President Kagame. There was a lot of misunderstanding and bad faith. Some wanted to humiliate the Church instead of fostering reconciliation.
You can't demand, 'Kneel and apologize so I can show you the truth.' That's not how healing works,' he said.
He explained that while apologies had been made multiple times, some remained unsatisfied, 'because they wanted submission, not reconciliation.'
According to him, Pope Francis's decision to apologize stemmed from his shared understanding with President Kagame on certain key points.
'First, the Pope emphasized, and President Kagame acknowledged, that the Church is 100% against genocide. Pope John Paul II had already said it on May 11, 1994. 'What is happening in Rwanda is genocide, and some Christians are involved. They will be held accountable by history.''
President Kagame welcomed the apology and praised Pope Francis's courage. 'For the Pope to take responsibility shows bravery.' During their meeting, Pope Francis and President Kagame exchanged symbolic gifts. The President gave the Pope a staff adorned with pearls, and the Pope gave him a hand-drawn image.
'It was a meaningful gift. It depicted a journey from darkness and desert to flourishing fields, a metaphor for the path our country is on,' Kagame said.
The legacy of Pope Francis
Those who met Pope Francis described him as humble, wise, and in touch with the times. His reforms included increasing women's participation in Church leadership.
Bishop Philippe Rukamba once said, 'He was a simple man, uninterested in extravagance [...] He even questioned the necessity of papal residences. He wanted a Church that walks with the people, hears their struggles, and draws near to them. He was approachable, you'd tell him you're from Rwanda, and he'd ask, 'How are things back home?' Living and working with him was easy.'
Pope Francis died having elevated Rwanda's first-ever Cardinal, Antoine Kambanda, who now holds the right to vote in the papal conclave. It was a historic moment for the Rwandan Church.
The Catholic Church plays a vital role in Rwanda, not only spiritually but also socially and economically, with over 2,700 schools, numerous health centers, and investments in sectors like finance and hospitality.
At the time of his death, there was growing hope that he would visit Rwanda, potentially becoming the second pope ever to visit the 'land of a thousand hills.'
He passed away shortly after a new cause was launched to canonize Rwandan Christians who sacrificed their lives to save others during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Over his 12-year papacy, Pope Francis visited 68 countries in 47 trips. One long-awaited visit that never materialized was to his home country, Argentina.
He died peacefully at his residence, Casa Santa Marta, in Vatican City. The last leader he met was U.S. Vice President JD Vince.
IGIHE
