Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere on Friday led a thanksgiving mass at Lubaga Cathedral to celebrate the installation of Pope Leo XIV as head of the Catholic Church, urging Ugandans to pray for the new pontiff and work for peace in the world.
“We thank God for Pope Leo XIV,” Ssemogerere said during the homily.
“He is the first shepherd, guiding all bishops and the entire Catholic flock. Let us lift him in prayer every day.”
Worshippers filled Rubaga Cathedral for the mass, whose first reading came from Acts 9:1–20. Among the dignitaries in attendance were Mathias Mpuuga and Professor Ssemakula Kiwanuka.
The faithful mourned the passing of Pope Francis while welcoming the new leader of the global church.
Ssemogerere praised the humility and vision of Pope Leo XIV, who, in his maiden address from St Peter’s Basilica, invoked Saul’s transformation and declared, “No one is beyond grace. We walk forward together, in faith, not fear.”
Echoing that spirit, the archbishop said Pope Leo’s leadership extended beyond those seated in church pews.
“The pope leads not only those in the Church. He leads even those who have left, those who no longer believe, and those who are hurting. His is a mission without walls,” Ssemogerere said.
He thanked the Ugandan media for covering the papal transition with fairness and sensitivity.
“You informed without inflaming. Your coverage helped the public understand the weight of this moment,” he noted.
Ssemogerere also used the occasion to call for peace across Uganda and beyond.
“We cannot celebrate a new pope and ignore the cries of war, injustice, and suffering,” he said.
“This is a time for healing—of hearts, families, and nations.”
Pope Leo XIV succeeds Pope Francis, who died last week after serving more than a decade as pontiff.
The new pope now faces a world marked by conflict, spiritual doubt, and deep divisions—realities Ssemogerere said must be met with faith and action.
“Our new pope has not come with a crown of gold, but with a heart of service,” the archbishop said.
“He will need our prayers. He walks into a world divided—but God has chosen him to unite.”
As hymns of thanksgiving rose to the cathedral rafters, Ssemogerere reminded the faithful that Uganda, too, has a role to play.
“This is not just Rome’s moment,” he said. “It is ours. Let us support our pope, live our faith, and become instruments of peace.”
Pope Leo XIV's TIME Cover. Photograph by Guglielmo Mangiapane—Reuters
