Previously, papal funerals have traditionally been elaborate affairs, but Pope Francis acted last year to simplify his arrangements by writing an extraordinary will.
He will be the first Pope in more than a century not to be buried in the Vatican, in the crypt of St Peter’s Basilica, opting instead to be laid to rest in Rome’s Basilica of St Mary Major, near his favorite icon of the Madonna.
In his will, Pope Francis requested to be buried in a simple wooden casket, unlike his predecessors who were buried in the traditional three nesting coffins made of cypress, lead and oak.
Pope Francis’s funeral will take place outdoors in front of St Peter’s Basilica. The dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re, will lead the service, according to a BBC report.
At the end of the funeral, Re will deliver the final commendation, a concluding prayer where the Pope will be formally entrusted to God, and the body moved to St Mary Major for the burial.
The museum will honour the lives of thousands of Tutsi who were killed in the former Commune Ntongwe, a region that witnessed some of the genocide’s most harrowing atrocities. The facility will feature two sections and is projected to cost Rwf470 million.
“It is a memorial house dedicated to the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi in the Mayaga region,” said Valens Habarurema, the Mayor of Ruhango District.
“It will serve to explain, in detail, how the Tutsi in what was formerly known as Ntongwe Commune were killed. It will be built with the help of experts using advanced tools to preserve and interpret this history.”
The update on the museum’s timeline came as residents, survivors, and government officials gathered at the Ruhango Genocide Memorial to lay wreaths and honour more than 60,000 victims buried at the site. During the ceremony, 38 newly recovered remains were also laid to rest with dignity.
Once completed, the museum will join Rwanda’s growing network of genocide memorial sites. Six major memorial centers—Kigali, Nyamata, Murambi, Bisesero, Ntarama, and Nyarubuye—currently serve as national remembrance spaces, with four of them recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 2023.
Beyond serving as a memorial, the Ruhango Genocide Museum is envisioned as an educational and research hub that will remain active year-round. Officials hope it will play a vital role in preserving memory, promoting understanding, and reinforcing Rwanda’s commitment to ensuring such heinous acts never happen again.
“Once completed, it will be visited regularly, not only during the official commemoration period,” Habarurema added.
Madeira is a tiny island off the west coast of Africa and is an autonomous region of Portugal, it is the birthplace of Cardinal Mendonca, one of the key names to watch in the upcoming election for the new Pope.
An avid and celebrated poet, he, like Portuguese winger, was born on this island. He didn’t stick around long, though. As a child, he moved with his family to Angola, where he spent time with his father, a fisherman, leaving the country when Portugal withdrew. He returned to Madeira in 1975.
The 59-year-old now sits in the more ‘progressive’ camp of the possible pack of cardinals who could replace Francis, and at his age is also one of the youngest.
Mendonca would go on to become a celebrated writer, and has completed a number of visiting professorships at universities around the world, including time as a Fellow at New York University.
He is known as ‘the poet cardinal’ because Pope Francis told him ‘you are the poetry’ when he entered the College of Cardinals in 2019.
He is widely recognized not only as a poet, he represented Portugal at World Poetry Day in 2014, but also as one of the leading intellectuals of the Roman Curia. His name is now one of those recurring following the passing of Pope Francis.
The death of the 88-year-old was announced on Monday morning after he had been in hospital for over a month before being discharged.
The event, under the theme “Chinese Language: A Gift Across Time and Space,” offered attendees an immersive experience of Chinese culture and language.
Speaking at the event, Lin Hang, charge d’affaires a.i. of the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda, said that as an official language of the United Nations, the Chinese language is an important bond of friendship between the Chinese people and the people around the world.
“Language is a crucial tool of communication for human beings. As you may be aware, Chinese is the only ‘living language’ among the world’s ancient civilizations that is still in use today. At present, more than 190 countries and regions around the world are teaching Chinese, and 85 countries have incorporated Chinese into their national education systems,” she said.
“China puts the spirit of real multilateralism into good practice, embraces an open and inclusive mindset, enhances mutual appreciation and learning, deepens understanding and friendship between the peoples across borders and among civilizations,” she added.
Zeng Guangyu, director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Rwanda, told Xinhua during the event that when the institute was established in 2009, only a handful of students enrolled, as many thought it was too difficult to learn. However, nearly 20,000 Rwandans can now speak Chinese after years of sustained efforts.
He noted that Chinese language skills have opened doors for Rwandan learners, enabling them to secure jobs, win scholarships, study in China, and even start businesses.
“I have seen Chinese learners achieve their dreams through the language — by creating enterprises or finding good jobs. They are truly changing their lives through learning Chinese. English is used worldwide, but Chinese is a rising language in East Africa and across the globe. It represents the future,” Zeng said.
He also highlighted that this year’s celebrations also featured the launch of a Kiswahili-Chinese-English textbook, aimed at bridging Chinese with two of East Africa’s most commonly spoken languages.
“We held a lecture on Chinese characters, organized workshops on Chinese writing and calligraphy, and conducted many activities across different teaching posts to mark the occasion,” Zeng added.
In a situation update, the Ministry of Health said nine cases of the viral disease had been confirmed in the previous week—five at Nakivale and Oruchinga refugee settlements in Isingiro district and four at Matanda transit centre in Kanungu district.
All three settlements are located in western Uganda.
“Active case searches are ongoing at the community and facility level. VHTs [village health teams] are continuing with door-to-door sensitizations and active case searches,” the ministry said, noting “ongoing screening at the points of entry at the facilities by the triage teams for fever, rashes, dry cough and runny nose.”
Health authorities have launched a measles and rubella vaccination campaign targeting newly arrived refugee children aged 6 months to 15 years, the update said.
At least 105 children were vaccinated against measles and rubella at the Matanda transit center on Sunday, it said.
In March, at least two children died from measles and 68 others were diagnosed with the viral disease in a refugee settlement hosting South Sudanese refugees in Uganda’s mid-western district of Kiryandongo.
Measles is a highly contagious and spreads through coughing and sneezing and can lead to severe complications. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes.
According to the World Health Organization, the symptoms of measles appear about seven to 14 days after a person is infected.
From midday on the day of his death, church bells tolled in parishes across the country to mark the beginning of the mourning rites. This tradition, deeply rooted in Catholic liturgy, serves as a public call for prayer and remembrance. It also symbolises the Church entering a time of reflection and spiritual solidarity.
The Archdiocese of Kigali, under the leadership of Cardinal Antoine Kambanda, issued a directive for all parishes to ring their bells and begin special prayers for the late pontiff a few hours after the announcement of his death.
In a communique, Cardinal Kambanda urged Christians, particularly members of religious congregations, to dedicate prayers for Pope Francis and for the universal Church during this critical period.
“May all Christians and people of goodwill find strength during this period of mourning. Let us all look to the risen Christ,
According to canon law and Catholic tradition, the Pope must be buried within nine days of his passing. The mourning period, commonly referred to as novemdiales, involves a series of liturgical observances, including Masses and special intentions for the repose of the Pope’s soul.
The Vatican has not yet confirmed the date of Pope Francis’s funeral, but preparations for the conclave—the highly secretive process of electing a new pope—are expected to begin soon.
Cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote and must gather within 15 to 20 days of the Pope’s death to begin the election process. A two-thirds majority is required for a candidate to be elected.
Until a new pope is chosen, prayers for the Church and its leadership will continue. Rwandan Catholics have been encouraged to use this time not only to mourn but to reflect on the legacy of Pope Francis, who championed humility, dialogue, and inclusion throughout his papacy.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, was elected in 2013 and became the first pope from the Americas. During his tenure, he initiated widespread reforms in the Vatican, prioritised the needs of the poor, and challenged the global Church to engage more openly with modern issues.
Cardinals Peter Turkson of Ghana and Robert Sarah of Guinea are both being closely watched. Turkson, 76, has long been an influential voice on social justice, climate change, and human rights. Though he has maintained the Church’s traditional teachings on marriage and priesthood, he has shown a willingness to critique harsh anti-LGBTQ+ laws in Africa, arguing for more compassionate responses.
His moderate stances, combined with decades of experience in Vatican diplomacy, position him as a potential bridge between the global south and Rome.
Robert Sarah, 79, represents the more conservative wing of the Church. A vocal critic of modern gender discourse and a staunch traditionalist, Sarah has previously aligned with former Pope Benedict XVI on issues such as clerical celibacy. His election would signal a sharp turn away from Francis’s progressive reforms.
If chosen, either cardinal would become the first Black pope in centuries—a historic shift at a time when the Church’s fastest-growing populations are in Africa and Asia.
Historically, three African popes served in the early centuries of the Church: Pope Victor I (c. 189–199), Pope Miltiades (311–314), and Pope Gelasius I (492–496). All were of North African origin and played significant roles in shaping early Christianity. Since then, no African has held the papacy, making the current moment particularly significant as the Church grapples with questions of representation and global relevance.
Other frontrunners include Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, 70, considered a “continuity candidate” who played a key role in the Vatican’s diplomatic engagement with China and the Middle East. He is viewed as a pragmatic moderate, although his critics argue he compromises too much on doctrine for the sake of diplomacy.
From Asia, Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, 67, once seen as a natural heir to Francis, now appears to have lost momentum. Still, his advocacy for the poor and pastoral openness on LGBTQ+ and divorced Catholics make him a figure to watch.
Hungarian Cardinal Péter Erdő, 72, stands out as a leading conservative voice and could represent a break with Francis’s direction. Known for his intellect and defence of doctrine, Erdő has also drawn criticism for aligning with Hungary’s nationalist leadership on migration issues.
On the progressive side, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, 69, of Italy, is closely associated with Francis’s legacy. Known for his peace-building efforts in Ukraine and relatively liberal views on same-sex relationships, Zuppi could carry the torch for a more inclusive Church.
Portugal’s José Tolentino Calaça de Mendonça, at 59, is among the youngest candidates. Though close to Francis, his age and progressive views—particularly his openness to modern cultural issues—may prove too controversial for traditionalists.
Other names in contention include Malta’s Mario Grech and Italian Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, known for his advocacy for Christians in the Holy Land and his personal sacrifice during the Israel-Gaza conflict.
The election will follow centuries-old Vatican traditions. The College of Cardinals, composed of those under 80 years old, will cast secret ballots inside the Sistine Chapel. For a candidate to win, he must secure a two-thirds majority.
If no consensus is reached in a round, the ballots are burned and black smoke rises from the chapel’s chimney—signalling to the world that the conclave continues. White smoke, however, will announce the moment the Church has chosen its new leader.
“We are saddened by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, a moral voice of compassion, humility, and global solidarity,” President Kagame said in a message shared on his official X account.
“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.”
“On behalf of the people of Rwanda and myself, I extend heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Church and Catholics across the world,” he added.
Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy in Rwanda that includes a significant shift in the relationship between the Vatican and the Rwandan government, a relationship that had been clouded for decades by the Catholic Church’s controversial role in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
From 1994 until 2017, relations between the Catholic Church and Rwanda remained tense. Clergy members were accused of inciting division, and some were directly complicit in the genocide, turning against the very communities they were meant to guide and protect.
A turning point came on May 20, 2017, when President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame traveled to the Vatican. During their visit, Pope Francis received them in a historic meeting that broke the long-standing silence between the two sides.
Pope Francis also made history by elevating Antoine Cardinal Kambanda to the College of Cardinals, making him the first Rwandan to ever hold the title and the right to vote in the election of a pope.
The Catholic Church continues to play a major role in Rwanda beyond its spiritual mission. It manages more than 2,700 schools, runs a wide network of health centers, and is active in sectors including finance, hospitality, and social development.
At the time of his passing, discussions were ongoing about a potential visit to Rwanda, a trip that would have made Pope Francis only the second pontiff to visit the country.
From 1994 to 2017, a dark cloud hung over the relationship between the Church and Rwanda. Clergy were accused of inciting hatred that led to the genocide, and some even actively participated, killing people they were entrusted to guide with the Gospel.
Churches, once seen as sanctuaries for the weary, became killing grounds. Many who sought refuge within them in 1994 were slaughtered, often in the presence of priests and nuns who did nothing to stop the bloodshed.
During the 2016 National dialogue council (Umushyikirano), President Paul Kagame openly questioned why the Catholic Church had apologized for its failings in other countries, such as the U.S., Ireland, and Australia, but failed to do the same in Rwanda.
“If apologies have been issued in America, Ireland, and Australia by the Pope himself, leader of the Catholic Church, why is it that doing the same in Rwanda is perceived as admitting the Church used people to commit genocide? Why shouldn’t he do it as he did elsewhere, even for lesser crimes?”
This statement followed a controversial apology made by Rwanda’s Catholic bishops on behalf of individual Catholics who had taken part in the genocide. Many criticized it for not coming from the Church as an institution.
{{A turning point in 2017}}
On May 20, 2017, President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame visited the Vatican, where they met Pope Francis. The encounter marked a diplomatic breakthrough.
During their meeting, Pope Francis requested for “God’s forgiveness for the sins and failings of the Church and its members, including clergy, who were overcome by hatred and violence, and abandoned their evangelical mission” in what had happened in Rwanda.
He expressed “deep personal sorrow, sorrow from the Holy See, and from the entire Church,” and emphasized his “solidarity with those who were devastated and those still affected by the tragedy.”
“He humbly acknowledged the Church’s moral failings during that time, failings that stained its image,” it was noted. This long-awaited apology came at a critical time. Tensions were high, and some Church members said there were those in Rwanda who wanted to bring the Church to its knees.
{{Was the Church forced to its knees?}}
Bishop Emeritus Smaragde Mbonyintege of the Kabgayi Diocese told IGIHE that there were individuals in Rwanda who wanted to forcibly subdue the Church into apologizing.
“I thank God that this issue was resolved by Pope Francis and President Kagame. There was a lot of misunderstanding and bad faith. Some wanted to humiliate the Church instead of fostering reconciliation.
You can’t demand, ‘Kneel and apologize so I can show you the truth.’ That’s not how healing works,” he said.
He explained that while apologies had been made multiple times, some remained unsatisfied, “because they wanted submission, not reconciliation.”
According to him, Pope Francis’s decision to apologize stemmed from his shared understanding with President Kagame on certain key points.
“First, the Pope emphasized, and President Kagame acknowledged, that the Church is 100% against genocide. Pope John Paul II had already said it on May 11, 1994. ‘What is happening in Rwanda is genocide, and some Christians are involved. They will be held accountable by history.’”
President Kagame welcomed the apology and praised Pope Francis’s courage. “For the Pope to take responsibility shows bravery.” During their meeting, Pope Francis and President Kagame exchanged symbolic gifts. The President gave the Pope a staff adorned with pearls, and the Pope gave him a hand-drawn image.
“It was a meaningful gift. It depicted a journey from darkness and desert to flourishing fields, a metaphor for the path our country is on,” Kagame said.
{{The legacy of Pope Francis}}
Those who met Pope Francis described him as humble, wise, and in touch with the times. His reforms included increasing women’s participation in Church leadership.
Bishop Philippe Rukamba once said, “He was a simple man, uninterested in extravagance […] He even questioned the necessity of papal residences. He wanted a Church that walks with the people, hears their struggles, and draws near to them. He was approachable, you’d tell him you’re from Rwanda, and he’d ask, ‘How are things back home?’ Living and working with him was easy.”
Pope Francis died having elevated Rwanda’s first-ever Cardinal, Antoine Kambanda, who now holds the right to vote in the papal conclave. It was a historic moment for the Rwandan Church.
The Catholic Church plays a vital role in Rwanda, not only spiritually but also socially and economically, with over 2,700 schools, numerous health centers, and investments in sectors like finance and hospitality.
At the time of his death, there was growing hope that he would visit Rwanda, potentially becoming the second pope ever to visit the “land of a thousand hills.”
He passed away shortly after a new cause was launched to canonize Rwandan Christians who sacrificed their lives to save others during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Over his 12-year papacy, Pope Francis visited 68 countries in 47 trips. One long-awaited visit that never materialized was to his home country, Argentina.
He died peacefully at his residence, Casa Santa Marta, in Vatican City. The last leader he met was U.S. Vice President JD Vince.
Astatement from the President Office described the nexus of this meeting. “This afternoon at Urugwiro Village, President Kagame received President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé of Togo who is serving as the appointed AU mediator in the conflict in Eastern DRC. They discussed the progress of the regional processes towards achieving durable peace in the region,” the statement read
According to the Office of the President of Togo, the visit began on April 21, 2025. “The Head of State will engage in discussions with his Rwandan counterpart concerning the well-known causes of the war in Eastern DRC, its consequences, and the role various regional leaders are playing to resolve the crisis,” The statement reads.
The statement also emphasized that Togo prioritizes constructive dialogue and reconciliation as a path to achieving a sustainable solution to the conflict affecting the Great Lakes Region.
It further noted that President Gnassingbé reaffirmed his commitment to working with other partners in pursuit of lasting peace between Rwanda and the DRC. “This will also help strengthen cooperation and improve bilateral relations between the two countries,” it stated.
On March 24, 2025, the Office of the President of Angola announced that President João Lourenço would no longer serve as the mediator in the Rwanda-DRC conflict. Instead, he would focus on broader continental priorities rather than regional affairs.
President Lourenço subsequently presented the candidacy of Faure Gnassingbé to the leadership of the African Union (AU) as his preferred successor for the role of mediator. The AU reviewed the proposal.
In early April 2025, the AU expressed its support for President Lourenço’s recommendation that President Gnassingbé take over as mediator in the dialogue between Rwanda and the DRC.
On April 12, 2025, the AU General Assembly officially confirmed President Gnassingbé as the new, permanent mediator tasked with helping Rwanda and the DRC resolve their ongoing tensions.
President Gnassingbé has made several visits to Rwanda in recent years to discuss a range of topics, including security and Pan-African cooperation.
Relations between Rwanda and the DRC have deteriorated in recent years, largely due to the conflict in Eastern DRC. Kinshasa accuses Kigali of supporting the M23/AFC coalition, an allegation Rwanda vehemently denies.
In turn, Rwanda accuses the DRC of supporting and collaborating with the FDLR, a terrorist group composed of remnants of perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and who continue to pose a threat to Rwandan security.
President Gnassingbé’s current visit follows another official trip he made to Kigali in January 2025, during which both nations agreed to further strengthen their bilateral cooperation.
