The closing ceremonies of the 125th anniversary of the arrival of Christianity in Rwanda were marked by a profound message of gratitude, hope and encouragement from His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, delivered on his behalf by his envoy to Rwanda, Msgr. Catalan Arnaldo.
Reading the Holy Father’s message to thousands gathered for the celebration, Msgr. Arnaldo conveyed the Pope’s “pleasure and honor” to join the Church in Rwanda in thanking God for 125 years of Christian presence in the country. The message was officially transmitted through the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
Addressing Cardinal Antoine Kambanda, Archbishop of Kigali and President of the Episcopal Conference of Rwanda, Pope Leo XIV expressed profound joy as the nation commemorates this historic milestone.
The Holy Father recalled with deep gratitude the first missionaries who brought the Gospel to Rwanda, as well as generations of believers who helped Christianity take strong root across the country through their faith, sacrifice, and generosity.
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“As you mark this important milestone,” the message reads, “His Holiness encourages you to remain steadfast in the spirit of the Gospel a spirit of reconciliation, peace and mutual respect.”
Pope Leo XIV emphasized the Christian duty to faithfully pass on the gift of faith:
“We must pass on what we have in turn received so that we all may become one in Christ.”
He further encouraged the Church in Rwanda to continue being a sign of hope, especially for young people and for all those seeking healing, unity and spiritual renewal.
In his message, the Pope entrusted the people of Rwanda to the maternal protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary and to the intercession of the nation’s heavenly patrons. He prayed that God would strengthen the missionary zeal of the Church and grant peace and harmony to the entire country.
The message concluded with Pope Leo XIV imparting his apostolic blessing upon all Rwandans as a “pledge of strength and joy in the Lord.”
The celebration of 125 years of Christianity marks a defining moment for the Catholic Church in Rwanda a moment to honor the past, renew commitment to the Gospel, and look toward a hopeful future rooted in unity and peace.
