Parliament has paid tribute to the late Pope Francis, celebrating his compassionate leadership and lifelong commitment to humility and justice.
The House sitting, chaired by Speaker Anita Among on Tuesday 13 May 2025, commended the Pontiff’s values as ones that all leaders and citizens should emulate.
Pope Francis, who passed away aged 88, on 21 April 2025, was described as a global leader whose message transcended religion.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, who moved the motion, hailed Francis’ humility and rejection of privilege.
“He lived a life of distinction, showing compassion, kindness, and selflessness. He gave up most privileges attached to the Papacy,” Nabbanja noted. She recounted a personal meeting with the Pope in 2023 that left a lasting impression.
Seconding the motion, the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, described Pope Francis as a bridge-builder, praising his outreach to Muslims, Jews, and non-believers. MPs noted that during his 12-year papacy, he transformed the role from one of power to one of service.
“The Pope was more than a religious leader. He was a voice of reason and compassion in a divided world. His legacy will be remembered by those who value truth, justice, and human dignity,” he said.
Hon. Catherine Ndamira (NRM, Kabale District Woman MP) said of the Pope, “His personal conduct was unmatched. He carried his own briefcase. He made Papal leadership less about authority and more about shepherding.”
MPs praised the Pope’s humility and simplicity, citing his symbolic gesture of kissing the feet of South Sudan’s leaders as a powerful message of peace and humility.
“I was humbled when I saw a picture of the Pope bowing down to kiss the feet of the President and Vice-President of South Sudan. If a catechist was to go down and fasten my shoelaces, I would faint, that was a very big message,” said Hon. Michael Lulume Bayiga, (DP, Buikwe County South)
The Pope’s strong advocacy for environmental preservation also featured prominently in the tribute. MPs referred to his 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’, in which he urged the world to act urgently in protecting the environment.
“In his document, he said the earth cries and called on governments to respond. Many countries acted on his call by creating policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Hon. Christine Nakimwero (NUP, Kiboga District Woman MP).
Speaker Among shared that she had met the Pope eight times and said he was fond of Uganda’s history with the Uganda Martyrs and its refugee policy.
Pope Francis was buried at the Basilica of St Mary's Major, in the Vatican on 26 April 2025.
Among directed that the House’s tribute and resolutions be shared with the Papal representative in Uganda, Rev. Luigi Bianco, who was present during the session.
