By Mulengera Reporters
Speaker Anita Among on Wednesday led the Parliament of Uganda in sending well wishes to Pope Francis, the head of the Roman Catholic Church, who is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in Rome.
Delivering her opening remarks in the afternoon sitting, Among called on Parliament to join the rest of the world in praying for the Pope, who has been battling pneumonia for over a week.
“You have learned that Pope Francis, the head of the Roman Catholic Church, has been unwell for the past 11 days. Reports indicate that he is suffering from pneumonia. As the Parliament of Uganda, we join millions of believers in praying for his swift recovery. Psalm 32 says, ‘Lord God, I called for your help, and you healed me.’ On behalf of Parliament and myself, we extend our heartfelt get-well wishes to the Holy Father, Pope Francis,” Among said.
The Speaker, who has met Pope Francis twice at the Vatican, was visibly sympathetic as she delivered her message. She then invited legislators to join her in sending goodwill messages.
Among’s last meeting with the Pope was in August last year when she introduced her twins for a blessing. This visit came at a time when Parliament was under public scrutiny over corruption allegations.
Legislators Join in Sending Goodwill Messages
Bukonzo West MP Atkins Katusabe commended the Speaker for her gesture, emphasizing the need for Parliament to stand with the Pope during this time.
“As a Catholic, I sincerely thank you for your humility and kindness. The Holy Father is personally known to you, Madam Speaker. I stand with you in praying for his quick and complete recovery,” Katusabe said.
He also urged Among to draw inspiration from the Pope in upholding constitutionalism in Uganda, referencing the recent security raid on the headquarters of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) party.
“For evil to thrive, it only takes good men and women to do nothing. I stand by the principle of being my brother’s and sister’s keeper. The National Unity Platform is a legally registered political party, and my spirit will not settle until this constitutional seat you occupy, by the grace of God and the support of this House, takes a stand on the matter,” Katusabe added.
Buhweju County MP Francis Mwijukye also sent his prayers, noting his personal encounters with the Pope.
“I am one of the few Ugandans who have had the opportunity to meet Pope Francis four times. I join you in praying for his healing, so the Holy Spirit may continue to guide and give us hope,” Mwijukye said.
Ora County MP Laurence Biyika Songa highlighted the Pope’s advocacy for environmental conservation, urging the country to honor his legacy by addressing climate change.
“The Holy Father has been a steadfast advocate for the environment throughout his Papacy. He has continuously promoted his encyclical Laudato Si, which calls for care for nature. As we pray for his recovery, let us also carry forward his mission to protect our environment,” Songa said.
Pope Francis Speaks Out
According to the Catholic News Agency, despite his illness, Pope Francis sent a message to Catholic believers on Wednesday, urging them to seek God’s presence in their daily lives—drawing inspiration from the biblical figures Simeon and Anna.
This marked his second catechesis since being admitted to Gemelli Hospital in Rome. Reflecting on the presentation of Jesus in the temple, the Pope described the encounter with the two elderly “pilgrims of hope” as a moment of redemption.
“The song of redemption from these two elders proclaims a jubilee for all people and the world. Hope is rekindled in the Temple of Jerusalem because Christ, our hope, has entered it,” the Pope said in a written commentary on St. Luke’s Gospel.
The 88-year-old Argentine Pontiff emphasized that Simeon and Anna were devoted to prayer and worship, possessing “clear eyes” that recognized God in the child Jesus and welcomed Him into their lives-Parliament Watch. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
