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| H.E. Most Rev. Michael A. Blume, SVD, Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda |
The Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda, Most Rev Michael August Blume, S.V.D has given a clarification on the news spreading in the world of Pope’s Visit to Uganda later this year.
In his statement that was issued on, 2I January 2015 which AMECEA Online News has a copy clarified the matter and stated that it is not yet official as to whether the Pope will actually come to Uganda this year or not.
The news about Pope Francis visiting Uganda excited media institutions to the point of occupying the discussion in the traditional and social media in the region. The New Vision Newspaper of Uganda and Daily Nation of Kenya carried this story in the front page after getting it from international news agencies following the response of Pope Francis to journalists aboard Papal plane from Philippines to Rome.
The statement from the Apostolic Nunciature noted that Pope Francis when asked by the press about his plan to Africa said:
“I respond hypothetically. The plan is to go to the Central African Republic and to Uganda. These two this year I believe that it will be towards the end, for the weather. They have to reckon with the weather, that there will not be rains, that there will not be bad weather. This trip is a bit late because there was the problem of Ebola. It is a great responsibility to hold big meetings owing to [possible] contagion. But in these countries there is no problem. These two are in hypothesis for this year.”
“While the media speak enthusiastically about this news, it is important to note the two related words that begin and end what was said: hypothetically and hypothesis. These words refer to ideas or proposals that, while not yet realized, are the basis for further study and discussion,” read the statement from Apostolic Nunciature read in part and adding that “To respect the intention of the Holy Father, it is not proper to use the word ‘confirmed’ to describe the state of the question.”
The statement further said that it is important to note that the coming session of the Synod of Bishops, from 5-25 October 2015, must be kept in mind when interpreting the phrase, “towards the end” of the year. It is unlikely that the Synod would be interrupted for an Apostolic Voyage or that it would take place immediately afterwards.”
“As we all anxiously await the final decision of the Holy Father, we pray that the Holy Spirit may assist him and his collaborators to successfully work out the details of the hypothesis so that he may communicate to us in person the joy of the Gospel,” the statement read.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni accompanied by his wife Janet Museveni visited the Vatican and met Pope Francis on October 27th 2014 and the issue of a possible visit to the land of the Ugandan Martyrs was said to have been discussed.
Written by Fr. Philip Odii, National Communication Secretary UEC & Pamela Adinda, AMECEA News Reporter
