“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.
Following his death, as with any other head of state, preparations begin for both his funeral and the process to find the Pope’s successor. Pope Francis led the Roman Catholic Church for 12 years and was the 266th pontiff in the history of the Church.
When a pope dies in office, the official confirmation of his death is made by the Camerlengo, a cardinal responsible for overseeing the affairs of the papal household, who then notifies the other cardinals before the news is shared with the public.
However, before this announcement, the pope’s death must first be confirmed by doctors. Once the pope’s death is publicly declared, a nine-day mourning period known as the Novendiale begins.
During this time, the body of the pope is brought to St. Peter’s Basilica, clothed in papal vestments and blessed. Catholics from around the world then come to pay their final respects.
The funeral typically takes place between four to six days after the start of mourning and is organized under the supervision of the College of Cardinals. Popes are usually buried in the Vatican Grottoes beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, which also serves as the papal residence.
However, Pope Francis may not be buried there. In a 2023 interview with Mexico’s Noticieros Televisa, he expressed his wish to be laid to rest in his favorite basilica, Santa Maria Maggiore, also located in Rome.
He also requested a simple casket made of wood and zinc, whereas previous popes were buried in caskets made of two types of wood plus zinc.
During this mourning period, leadership of the Church is held temporarily by the College of Cardinals in a period known as Sede Vacante, meaning “the seat is vacant.”
Between two to three weeks after the funeral, the cardinals convene in a secretive meeting called the Conclave, held in the Sistine Chapel within St. Peter’s Basilica, to elect the next pope. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are allowed to vote, and currently, there are 138 cardinals eligible to vote out of a total of 240 cardinals worldwide.
When appointing new cardinals, the pope always ensures that the number of eligible electors remains around 120.
The conclave does not conclude in a single sitting. The cardinals gather each day and vote up to four times, twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon, until one candidate receives a two-thirds majority.
If after 33 rounds no candidate has reached the required threshold, the process shifts, the two candidates with the highest votes are retained, and a final vote is held between them. The one with the majority becomes the new pope.
During this entire process, St. Peter’s Square is filled with thousands of Catholic faithful awaiting news of their new spiritual leader.
Each time a round of voting ends without a result, the ballots are burned with black chemicals to produce black smoke, a sign to the public that no pope has been elected. This cycle continues until white smoke finally rises from the Sistine Chapel, signaling the election of a new pope.
At that point, the Dean of the College of Cardinals steps out onto the balcony and declares the traditional Latin phrase, Habemus Papam, meaning “We have a pope”, before announcing the new pontiff’s given name and the papal name he has chosen.
The newly elected pope then appears in white vestments, delivers his first public message, and officially begins his leadership of the Catholic Church.
The commemoration, which included a remembrance walk, took place with the presence of local police for security, but notably lacked the participation of any city officials.
This absence mirrored a similar situation that had occurred earlier in the city of Liège, where Rwandans and their friends were also denied support from local authorities.
Unlike the outright denial faced by the community in Liège, the Bruges memorial was allowed to proceed, albeit with restrictions. Participants were not permitted access to the city’s administrative spaces for their commemorative discussions, and no representatives from the municipal government joined the activities.
The event was organized by the local branch of the survivors’ association, led by Yvette Umutangana. She emphasized the importance of preserving Rwanda’s history and recognized the ongoing efforts required to counter denial and trivialization of the Genocide.
Umutangana also expressed disappointment at the refusal of the city’s mayor to attend, despite having previously committed to participate in the walk.
Throughout the remembrance, she highlighted the resilience of Genocide survivors and the emotional burden they continue to carry. She stressed that remembering the victims is not just a matter of honoring the past but also a responsibility for the present, reinforcing that survivors must continue to speak out and advocate for truth.
Despite the restrictions and symbolic absence from the authorities, the Rwandan community in Bruges remained committed to their cause. The walk itself became a testament to their presence and unity.
While daily life continued for many local residents, the Rwandan participants were reminded of the indifference that was also present during the 1994 Genocide. The sense of exclusion they felt from being denied access to city buildings echoed historical patterns of marginalization.
Other speakers at the event, including Eugène Twagira Mutabazi the President of IBUKA Belgique, reiterated the need to draw strength from these experiences rather than be discouraged.
He pointed out that the lack of recognition or participation from Belgian authorities should serve as motivation to persist in the fight against Genocide denial.
The commemoration also included testimonies, including that of Claudine Mukakinani, and a dedicated session led by children who expressed a strong sense of responsibility to carry forward the legacy of their families, even when they had never personally known some of the victims.
Deo Mazina, the Director of the International Research and Genocide Network (RESIRG), reflected on the historical roots of the Genocide, tracing the violence back to 1959 and pointing out the brutal methods used to target Tutsi individuals.
He emphasized that remembering these events is crucial to preventing similar atrocities in the future.
The signing of the MoU took place during the first official visit to Pakistan by the Rwandan Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe.
The agreement was announced on Monday, April 21, during a joint press conference in Islamabad with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar. Both sides hailed the visit as a significant milestone in the steadily growing relationship between the two nations.
“This is a historic occasion — the first ever visit by a Rwandan Foreign Minister to Pakistan,” said Dar.
“We held in-depth discussions today, focusing on strengthening our existing ties and exploring new avenues of cooperation. The signing of the MoU in diplomatic training is just the beginning.”
The visit comes on the heels of increased high-level exchanges between the two countries. Pakistan established its High Commission in Kigali in 2021, while Rwanda inaugurated its diplomatic mission in Islamabad in 2024. Both sides view these steps as foundational pillars for deepening collaboration across multiple sectors.
“Our relationship is based on mutual respect and a common drive to work together,” said Minister Nduhungirehe.
“This visit, accompanied by a delegation from the Rwanda Development Board and the Ministry of Trade and Industry, underscores our commitment to doing business with Pakistan.”
The Rwandan minister emphasised that the two countries are actively reviewing additional MoUs in sectors such as education, defence, and trade.
Trade featured prominently in the discussions, with both ministers highlighting opportunities to expand commercial ties. Pakistan currently imports $26 million worth of Rwandan goods annually — primarily tea — and is exploring imports of coffee, avocados, pulses, and horticultural products.
In return, Pakistan, which exports approximately $100 million in goods to Rwanda, sees potential for its pharmaceuticals, textiles, rice, surgical instruments, and sports equipment in the Rwandan market.
“Our economies are complementary,” said Dar. “This provides a strong foundation for a mutually beneficial partnership.”
Rwandan businesses have recently increased their engagement with Pakistan, including active participation in the health, engineering, and minerals exhibition held in Lahore. More engagement is expected at the upcoming Pakistan-Africa Trade Development Conference and Single Country Exhibition in Addis Ababa next month.
{{Technology and innovation cooperation
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Both countries are eyeing strategic cooperation in technology and innovation. Pakistan, with its growing ICT sector, is keen to support Rwanda’s ambition to become a regional tech hub. Areas under consideration include digital transformation, fintech, e-governance, and innovation platforms for youth.
“Pakistan is ready to collaborate with Rwanda in building digital ecosystems,” said Dar, pointing to potential joint ventures and knowledge exchanges.
On the multilateral front, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to global peace and security. Pakistan and Rwanda are among the top contributors to United Nations peacekeeping missions.
Minister Nduhungirehe praised Pakistan’s role on the UN Security Council and its efforts to address conflicts affecting Africa, particularly in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
“We appreciate Pakistan’s contributions to peacekeeping and conflict resolution,” Nduhungirehe said.
“Rwanda is committed to regional peace, and we will continue to engage in multilateral efforts for lasting solutions.”
The visit concluded with both ministers expressing optimism about the future of Rwanda-Pakistan relations. High-level visits and diplomatic engagements are expected to continue, with both sides prioritising economic development, regional integration, and mutual support at international forums.
“We see in Pakistan not just a partner, but a friend,” said Minister Nduhungirehe. “This visit has laid the groundwork for deeper cooperation that benefits both our peoples.”
This marks the first time in history that a Rwandan will be among the cardinal-electors in a papal conclave—and Cardinal Kambanda himself is also eligible to be elected pope.
On November 28, 2020, Pope Francis elevated Antoine Kambanda to the rank of cardinal, making him the first Rwandan in history to attain that position.
Following Pope Francis’ death, a conclave of selected cardinals will convene to elect a new pope. The gathering is expected to take place between May 6 and 11, 2025, in the Sistine Chapel in Rome, as prescribed by Church law.
Among the more than 120 cardinals eligible to vote is Cardinal Antoine Kambanda. Notably, only cardinals under the age of 80 may take part in the election, Cardinal Kambanda, at age 67, meets this requirement.
Although rare, there is no law preventing any cardinal from being elected pope. This means that Cardinal Antoine Kambanda is not only a voter—but also a viable candidate for the papacy.
Once a new pope has been elected and accepts the role, the ballots are ceremonially burned with chemicals that produce white smoke. The senior cardinal then steps out and announces to the public: “Habemus Papam”, which means “We have a Pope.”
His death comes after years of fragile health. The pontiff had long battled respiratory complications stemming from a serious illness in his youth, which led to the removal of part of his lung at the age of 21.
In recent months, his condition had deteriorated significantly, with multiple hospitalisations due to bronchitis and other complications.
Despite his failing health, Pope Francis remained deeply engaged in his pastoral mission, often addressing issues of injustice and human suffering around the world, including the legacy of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
As the first Jesuit pope and the first non-European pope in over 1,200 years, Pope Francis — born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina — brought with him a distinctly global perspective.
In 2017, Pope Francis made a historic and unprecedented gesture when he publicly acknowledged and apologised for the role of the Catholic Church in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Speaking during a meeting with President Paul Kagame at the Vatican on March 20, 2017, the Pope expressed deep sorrow:
“I feel the pain, the sorrow, and the shame of the fact that some of the Church’s sons, ministers, priests, have been involved in the genocide, in that unspeakable crime. I ask forgiveness for the scandal that this has caused to the Church and to all humanity.”
It was a moment that shifted the tone of relations between the Vatican and Rwanda. For years, survivors and the Rwandan government had called for an acknowledgement of the Church’s complicity.
Some members of the clergy were directly involved in atrocities, while others failed to protect victims or speak out. Pope Francis’s direct and heartfelt apology broke with the Church’s prior reluctance to confront its failings.
President Kagame welcomed the gesture, calling it “an important step in the journey of reconciliation.” Many Rwandans viewed the apology as a powerful act of humility and truth-telling—qualities Pope Francis consistently championed.
{{A Cardinal for Rwanda
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Another major milestone in Rwanda’s relationship with the Catholic Church under Pope Francis came in 2021, when he appointed Archbishop Antoine Kambanda as the country’s first cardinal. A genocide survivor himself, Cardinal Kambanda’s elevation was both a personal recognition and a national symbol of Rwanda’s journey from tragedy to hope.
“This is not just a personal honour,” Cardinal Kambanda said after his appointment. “It is an acknowledgement of the progress Rwanda has made in healing and in building a future based on justice, peace, and unity.”
By naming Kambanda a cardinal, Pope Francis affirmed Rwanda’s place in the global Catholic community and highlighted the Church’s role in the country’s healing process. The decision was also widely seen as reinforcing the Vatican’s commitment to local leadership and its desire to support African voices in shaping the future of the Church.
{{A Papacy of reconciliation and courage
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Throughout his twelve-year papacy, Pope Francis emphasised a Church that is humble, compassionate, and willing to confront uncomfortable truths. His philosophy of leadership was deeply influenced by his own experiences in Argentina during the Dirty War, where he quietly helped victims of state violence. That background helped shape his emphasis on social justice and his refusal to let the Church remain silent in the face of moral crises.
His approach to Rwanda reflected this ethos. He did not shy away from the uncomfortable legacy left by the Church during the Genocide against the Tutsi. Instead, he took ownership, offering not just words but gestures that signalled a readiness to accompany Rwandans on their path to healing.
As he once said in his meeting with Kagame, “Reconciliation is a gift that God gives, but it requires an active commitment from everyone. Only through dialogue, mutual respect, and a willingness to heal the wounds of the past can we build a future of peace.”
Pope Francis’s legacy extends far beyond Rwanda. He is remembered globally for his progressive views, humility, and concern for the marginalised. From advocating for climate justice to addressing income inequality, from engaging in interfaith dialogue to supporting migrants and refugees, he continually reoriented the Catholic Church toward service.
But in Rwanda, his legacy is particularly profound. It is the legacy of a man who looked into the face of a nation’s pain and responded not with defensiveness, but with repentance and solidarity. In doing so, he helped to begin mending a broken relationship and set an example for moral leadership.
As Rwanda continues its journey of remembrance and reconstruction, Pope Francis will be remembered as the pope who listened, who apologised, and who walked alongside a grieving nation with grace and courage.
“Our heavy hearts have been somewhat eased, however, to know that His Holiness was able to share an Easter greeting with the Church and the world he served with such devotion throughout his life and ministry.
“His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith, and to those of goodwill who work for the benefit of others.
“His belief that care for creation is an existential expression of faith in God resounded with so many across the world. Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many,”
“The Queen and I remember with particular affection our meetings with His Holiness over the years and we were greatly moved to have been able to visit him earlier in the month.
“We send our most heartfelt condolences and profound sympathy to the Church he served with such resolve and to the countless people around the world who, inspired by his life, will be mourning the devastating loss of this faithful follower of Jesus Christ.”
The King and Queen had a “very significant and special” meeting with the ailing Pope Francis just 12 days ago. The couple’s historic state visit to the Vatican in early April was cancelled because of the Pope’s poor health, but the pair managed to visit the head of the Roman Catholic Church privately during their trip to Italy.
Charles and Camilla’s meeting with the Pope in what would be his final weeks was arranged at the last minute and took place on their 20th wedding anniversary on April 9, with the pontiff wanting to personally wish them a happy anniversary.
Meanwhile the Roman Catholic hurch is deeply mourning the depature of the pontiff. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, from the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta, where Francis lived shared a tribute.
“At 7.35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized,” he said.
“With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite, merciful love of God, One and Tribune.”
Yoon entered a courtroom of the Seoul Central District Court around 9:57 a.m. local time (0057 GMT) after arriving at the court through its underground parking lot.
He was photographed and filmed in the defendant’s seat by photographers and cameramen, who left the courtroom before the hearing was formally launched.
On April 4, the constitutional court upheld a motion by the parliament to impeach Yoon over his short-lived martial law imposition. With the court’s decision, the conservative leader officially lost all presidential power.
Yoon declared an emergency martial law on the night of Dec. 3 last year, but it was revoked by the opposition-led National Assembly hours later.
The impeachment motion against Yoon was passed in the parliament on Dec. 14 last year.
Yoon was apprehended in the presidential office on Jan. 15 and was indicted under detention on Jan. 26 as a suspected ringleader of insurrection.
If convicted of being the insurrection ringleader, Yoon could face the death penalty or life imprisonment.
He was released on March 8 as the prosecution decided not to appeal against the court’s release approval.
