Africa-Press – Uganda. The Soroti Catholic Diocese has joined the global Church in mourning the death of Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday morning.
News of the 265th Pontiff’s passing was met with deep sorrow by Catholics across the region and around the world.
Speaking to the press on Tuesday morning, Rev Fr Robert Ecogu, the vicar general of Soroti Catholic Diocese, described the Pope’s death as a profound loss to the Church and humanity.
“It is with a sombre mood that the Catholic Diocese received the sad news about the passing of our beloved, the 265th Chief Shepherd, our Holy Father, Pope Francis,” Fr. Ecogu said.
“Humanly speaking, it is shocking because he had journeyed with the world, doing so much to transform humanity for the better.”
Despite his recent health struggles and repeated hospital visits, hope remained high due to his public appearance during Holy Week.
“He even greeted Christians,” Fr. Ecogu noted.
“Nonetheless, as Christians, we receive this sad news with hope, strengthened by the life he lived. His death is not a loss; it is gain for heaven.”
He remembered Pope Francis as a man of peace and humility — a leader who broke barriers and prioritised dialogue and reconciliation over formality.
He recalled the 2019 moment when the Pope knelt and kissed the feet of South Sudanese leaders Riek Machar and Salva Kiir, urging them to pursue peace.
“It was a moment that moved the world. One South Sudanese female leader even wept uncontrollably,” he said.
Fr. Ecogu said the Pope’s values should live on in the choices of world leaders and ordinary citizens.
“The Pope doesn’t do his work alone. He is led by God’s Holy Spirit. We trust that the next Pope will continue preaching the same message of peace and dialogue.”
He urged Ugandans to take the Pope’s death as a call to self-reflection. “Let us recall the Pope’s messages to our leaders and citizens during his visits. Are we living up to them? Are we adding value to humanity or making life more miserable?”
He also reflected on the significance of the timing, with Pope Francis dying the day after Easter.
“It’s as if the Lord was saying, ‘You have journeyed with me through the passion, now come home with the risen Christ.’”
Fr. Ecogu concluded by urging Christians to embrace a deeper spiritual renewal.
“We are dead in many ways because of sin. When we allow Jesus to conquer sin in us, we rise. That’s the true resurrection. Let the Pope’s death inspire us to reflect, repent, and become beacons of peace, love, and hope in our communities.”
As messages of condolence pour in from across the world, Soroti Diocese remains united in prayer with the wider Catholic Church in honouring the life and legacy of Pope Francis — a Pope remembered for his humility, compassion, and unwavering commitment to peace.
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