
Solemn Requiem Mass Held in Soroti to Honor Pope Francis
The Soroti Catholic Diocese united in a heartfelt moment of remembrance yesterday, hosting a solemn requiem mass at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Madera to honor the life and enduring legacy of His Holiness, the late Pope Francis. The pontiff passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88, marking the end of a papacy that touched millions across the globe.
The mass drew a large and reflective congregation made up of clergy, community leaders, and faithful Christians from all walks of life. They came together in prayer and solemn reflection to pay their final respects to a spiritual leader revered for his unwavering commitment to environmental conservation and his vocal advocacy for global peace and unity.
Presiding over the mass, Rev. Fr. Robert Ecogu, the Vicar General of the Soroti Catholic Diocese, delivered a moving homily that highlighted the unique contributions of Pope Francis to both the Church and the wider world. Fr. Ecogu described the late pontiff as a global beacon for environmental stewardship, who continually reminded the world of the sacred responsibility to care for creation.
He called upon Ugandans, particularly the younger generation, to take inspiration from the Pope’s teachings. “Pope Francis believed that protecting nature is a moral and spiritual duty,” Fr. Ecogu said. “Let us not only mourn his passing but also live out his message in our communities by committing to peace, justice, and the preservation of our environment.”
The requiem mass was not just a tribute to a beloved spiritual figure but also a moment of introspection and recommitment. It served as a powerful reminder of Pope Francis’s vision for a world rooted in compassion, sustainability, and human dignity.
As the global community continues to mourn this monumental loss, preparations for the final farewell are underway. Pope Francis’s funeral mass is scheduled to take place today at 10:00 AM in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City. Kyoga Veritas Radio will provide live coverage of the event, allowing the faithful in Uganda and beyond to join the world in bidding farewell to a pope who dedicated his life to faith, service, and humanity.