President Kagame shares condolences following the death of Pope Francis

President Paul Kagame expressed deep sorrow over the death of Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, describing him as “a moral voice of compassion, humility, and global solidarity.” Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025 , at the age of 88, at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. His death was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber. Many Christians, public figures, and politicians expressed their condolences. On Monday, President Paul Kagame paid tribute to the late Pope, referring to him as “a moral voice of compassion, humilit

President Paul Kagame expressed deep sorrow over the death of Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, describing him as “a moral voice of compassion, humility, and global solidarity.” Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. His death was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber. Many Christians, public figures, and politicians expressed their condolences. On Monday, President Paul Kagame paid tribute to the late Pope, referring to him as “a moral voice of compassion, humility, and global solidarity.” “His leadership was marked by an honest recognition of the Church’s history in Rwanda, leading to a new era of fruitful relations between the Catholic Church and our nation -one rooted in truth, reconciliation, and a shared commitment to the wellbeing of Rwandans,” President Kagame wrote on X. “On behalf of the people of Rwanda and myself, I extend heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Church and Catholics across the world,” he added. On May 20, 2017, President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame visited the Vatican, where they met Pope Francis. The encounter marked a significant diplomatic breakthrough. During their meeting, President Kagame and Pope Francis discussed the relationship between the two states, as well as the role of the Church in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. According to a statement from the Vatican at the time, Pope Francis expressed his solidarity with the victims and with those who continue to suffer the consequences of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The statement indicated that the Pope sought God’s forgiveness for the failures of the Church and its members, including priests and followers, who were involved in the genocide. ALSO READ: Ambassador James Ngango Presents Credentials to Pope Francis “He implored God’s forgiveness for the sins and failings of the Church and its members, among them priests and religious men and women who succumbed to hatred and violence, betraying their evangelical mission,” the Vatican statement said in 2017. The Catholic Church, through its religious congregations and affiliated NGOs, has continued to contribute to the well-being of Rwandans—particularly in education, healthcare, and community development.