President Museveni has joined world leaders to pay tribute to Pope Francis who died on Easter Monday.
In his condolence message on Tuesday evening, the president described the Pontiff as an extraordinary spiritual leader.
“His readiness and enthusiasm to deal with other faiths such as the Moslems, the Orthodox Christians, etc, meant that he was a religious leader that was truly in the Kisinde (track) of Jesus as Jesus taught us in the parable of the Good Samaritan in the book of Luke 10:29-37. His legacy of love, unity, and service to humanity will endure for generations to come,” Museveni said.
He said the Pope will always be remembered as an extraordinary spiritual leader and a deeply respected theologian whose unwavering commitment to the faith revitalized the Church’s mission in an increasingly secular world.
“His voice for peace, social justice, compassion, and humility touched the hearts of millions and inspired hope among the faithful.”
“On behalf of the government and the people of the Republic of Uganda, and on my own behalf, I extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to you and, through you, to the entire Catholic Church worldwide. We stand in solidarity with Catholics in Uganda and around the globe during this time of mourning. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
According to the final send off program released by the Vatican, the body of the late Pontiff will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica starting Wednesday, April 23, at 9:00 AM, until his funeral Mass on Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 AM.
The funeral will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals.
“The Eucharistic celebration will be concelebrated by Patriarchs, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and priests from across the globe,” the Holy See Press Office stated.
The rite of translation will begin earlier on Wednesday morning, when the coffin containing the Pope’s body will be moved from the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica.
The procession, led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will commence at 9:00 AM with a moment of prayer.
The solemn procession will pass through Santa Marta Square and the Square of the Roman Protomartyrs, exit through the Arch of the Bells, and enter St. Peter’s Basilica through the central door.
At the Altar of the Confession, Cardinal Farrell will preside over the Liturgy of the Word, after which the public will be allowed to pay their final respects.
The Holy See also confirmed that after Saturday’s funeral, the body of Pope Francis will be taken into St. Peter’s Basilica and then moved to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for entombment.
The funeral rites will conclude with the Ultima commendatio and the Valedictio, officially beginning the Novemdiales, a traditional nine-day period of mourning and Masses for the repose of the Pope’s soul.
“Pope Francis will be buried on Saturday, following the ancient traditions of the Church,” the Vatican statement read.
This final farewell marks the closing chapter of Pope Francis’ legacy a pontificate remembered for its deep humility, global outreach, and steadfast commitment to the marginalized.
