In an interview with Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA), Cardinal Kambandaâ€"who made history as the first Rwandan Cardinal to vote in a papal conclaveâ€"highlighted the significant progress Pope Francis had made in fostering closer ties between the Church and the Rwandan government.
He expressed confidence that Pope Leo XIV will continue along the same path.
'We expect him to enhance the relationship between the Church and the Government of Rwanda. Pope Francis had made great strides in improving ties, and agreements between the Vatican and the Rwandan government were nearing completion,' said Cardinal Kambanda. 'The journey we are onâ€"particularly in terms of unity, reconciliation, and resilienceâ€"is understood and supported by the global Church.'
He noted that these efforts align with the broader mission of promoting peace, development, and social harmony in Rwanda and beyond.
The election of Pope Leo XIV coincides with the 125th anniversary of the arrival of the Gospel in Rwanda. When asked whether the Pope would be invited to the Jubilee celebrations, Cardinal Kambanda explained that the Pope's tight schedule may make such a visit unlikely.
'The year is already halfway through, and the Jubilee coincides with the 2025 global celebration of the Gospel's spread. It would be difficult for him to fit Rwanda into his schedule, but we will certainly extend an invitation for another time,' he said.
Reflecting on his own participation in the conclave, Cardinal Kambanda described the election of Pope Leo XIV as a historic moment and a profound blessing. He emphasized the global unity of the Catholic faithful during the election.
'It was a great joy to elect a Pope for the first time. Even more so because he is a person the world truly needs at this moment,' he said.
Pope Leo XIV is expected to continue the legacy of Pope Francis, who established a uniquely strong relationship with Rwanda during his papacy.
One of the most significant gestures came in 2017, when Pope Francis publicly asked for forgiveness for the Catholic Church's role in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
On May 20, 2017, President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame visited the Vatican and held talks with Pope Francis. The meeting marked a turning point in Rwandaâ€"Vatican relations.
During the visit, the Pope asked God for forgiveness for the Church's failings, including the actions of clergy and other Church members who had been complicit in hatred and violence, betraying their missionary responsibilities.
Pope Francis expressed deep sorrowâ€"on his behalf, the Holy See, and the Catholic Churchâ€"for the horrors of the genocide, and offered solidarity with the victims and survivors.
On May 8, 2025, American-born Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the new Pope, taking the name Leo XIV.
He became the 267th pontiff in the history of the Catholic Church, and the first American to hold the position. He secured over 89 out of 133 votes from the Cardinals participating in the conclave.
IGIHE
