UGANDA: Popal Nuncio in Uganda Urges Christians to Pray Fervently for Pope Francis
Masereka Peter and Clare
The Papal Nuncio to Uganda, His Excellency Luigi Bianco has urged Christians to pray fervently for Pope Francis, who is critically ill. His appeal comes at a time when the global Catholic community is deeply concerned about the Pope’s health, as recent reports indicate that he is battling a severe respiratory condition amidst pneumonia and is currently being treated at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.
The Papal Nuncio made this appeal 2 March 2025 during the inauguration and blessing ceremony of Virika Cathedral in Fort Portal City. Archbishop Luigi who also served as the main celebrant, highlighted the timely inauguration of the cathedral, noting that its Holy Door had been reopened during this Jubilee year in which other Holy doors of Basilicas were opened, as declared by the Pope under the theme Pilgrims of Hope.
During the same ceremony, Archbishop Luigi emphasized the importance of communion with Christ in the newly renovated Cathedral, recalling God’s promise to make His children happy in His house.
The Nuncio also urged the faithful in Fort Portal Diocese to make the most of the newly restored Our Lady of the Snows Virika Cathedral for prayers, and faith. He likened this restoration to the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple, which was dedicated to the glory of God.
The archbishop explained that this event marks a time of joy and brings a sense of home, after a period of worship outside the cathedral. In this context, the Papal Nuncio emphasized the cathedral’s important role as not only where the bishop makes key decisions for the Diocese but also serves as the uniquely blessed “mother church” to the churches in the entire Diocese.
He praised all those who contributed to the restoration of the cathedral, especially Bishop Muhiirwa for the innovation, urging the faithful to protect God’s temple, where His presence dwells, and to continue praying without ceasing in order to obtain indulgence after the challenges, pain, and efforts that led to the project’s success.
The Bishop of Fort Portal Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki, expressed his gratitude to the Nuncio for attending the event and thanked the people of God for their generosity in restoring the Cathedral.
He echoed the Nuncio’s emphasis on the cathedral’s special role and encouraged the faithful to support other ongoing projects such as the Virika Presbytery and the wall, which currently do not meet the standards of the cathedral.
Msgr. Isaiah Mayombo Adyeri, Chairperson of the organizing committee for the Cathedral Renovation and Inauguration, extended gratitude to all parishioners whose contributions made up 30% of the 3.6 billion shillings used for the project. He also thanked political leaders, organizations, and the President of Uganda for their support.
In a written message, the Chief guest President Yoweri Tibuhaburwa Museveni who was represented by Her Excellency Jessica Alupo the Vice president, congratulated the Diocese of Fort Portal for continuing the legacy of Bishop MacCauley. He praised the spiritual work of the church in molding believers into valuable citizens of the country.
