The Minister of Finance (General Duties), Henry Musasizi, has eulogized His Holiness Pope Francis, describing him as more than just a spiritual leader he was a global symbol of humility, compassion, and justice.
Minister Musasizi emphasized that Pope Francis’ voice for peace, care for creation, and love for the marginalized resonated across all faiths and nations.
“It is with deep sorrow that I extend heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Church and the world on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. As we mourn, I join the world in prayer for his soul and in gratitude for his enduring legacy of mercy and unity,” Minister Musasizi posted on his X handle.
He added, “His Holiness Pope Francis was more than a spiritual leader. He was a global symbol of humility, compassion, and justice. His voice for peace, care for creation, and love for the marginalized touched hearts across all faiths and nations.”
The Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Anitah Annet Among, also paid tribute to the late Pontiff, noting that he exemplified a life of humility and compassion.
“It is with deep sorrow and a profound sense of loss that I join millions around the world in mourning the Holy Father, Pontifex. During the many private audiences I had with him, he exemplified a life of humility and compassion,” Speaker Among posted on her X handle.
She added, “He was a powerful advocate for social justice and dedicated his life to serving God. He truly embodied humility, compassion, and a commitment to social justice. May the Lord Almighty, whom he served throughout his life, grant him eternal rest.”
The Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, remembered the Pope’s deep love for the underprivileged and his unwavering pursuit of peace.
“Rest with the angels, Holy Father @Pontifex. I will always cherish the miracles you brought into my life from the first time you gave me a special prayer at the Vatican. I’m glad God gave me a chance to confess to you on several occasions. Your love for the underprivileged and peace for the world will always define your Papacy. May you intercede for us before our Father in Heaven,” he posted.
On Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at exactly 9:45 AM, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the death of Pope Francis from Casa Santa Marta with the following words:
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
Pope Francis had been admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on Friday, February 14, 2025, after suffering from bronchitis for several days. His condition worsened, and on Tuesday, February 18, he was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia. After 38 days in the hospital, he returned to his residence at Casa Santa Marta to continue recovery, but ultimately succumbed to the illness.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis underwent surgery in 1957 in Argentina to remove part of his lung due to a severe respiratory infection. In his later years, he often experienced respiratory difficulties, including the cancellation of a visit to the United Arab Emirates in November 2023 due to influenza and lung inflammation.
In April 2024, Pope Francis approved an updated edition of the liturgical book for papal funeral rites, which will guide his funeral Mass. The second edition of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis introduces several changes, including conducting the ascertainment of death in the chapel rather than the room of death, and immediate placement of the body into the coffin.
According to Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, Pope Francis requested a simplified funeral rite focused on the faith of the Church in the Risen Body of Christ.
“The renewed rite,” said Archbishop Ravelli, “seeks to emphasize even more that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ not of a powerful person of this world.”
