'We are saddened by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, a moral voice of compassion, humility, and global solidarity,' President Kagame said in a message shared on his official X account.
'His leadership was marked by an honest recognition of the Church's history in Rwanda, leading to a new era of fruitful relations between the Catholic Church and our nation, one rooted in truth, reconciliation, and a shared commitment to the wellbeing of Rwandans.'
'On behalf of the people of Rwanda and myself, I extend heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Church and Catholics across the world,' he added.
Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy in Rwanda that includes a significant shift in the relationship between the Vatican and the Rwandan government, a relationship that had been clouded for decades by the Catholic Church's controversial role in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
From 1994 until 2017, relations between the Catholic Church and Rwanda remained tense. Clergy members were accused of inciting division, and some were directly complicit in the genocide, turning against the very communities they were meant to guide and protect.
A turning point came on May 20, 2017, when President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame traveled to the Vatican. During their visit, Pope Francis received them in a historic meeting that broke the long-standing silence between the two sides.
Pope Francis also made history by elevating Antoine Cardinal Kambanda to the College of Cardinals, making him the first Rwandan to ever hold the title and the right to vote in the election of a pope.
The Catholic Church continues to play a major role in Rwanda beyond its spiritual mission. It manages more than 2,700 schools, runs a wide network of health centers, and is active in sectors including finance, hospitality, and social development.
At the time of his passing, discussions were ongoing about a potential visit to Rwanda, a trip that would have made Pope Francis only the second pontiff to visit the country.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/president-kagame-mourns-pope-francis
