Uganda: the bishops and people prepare to welcome the Pope

(Vatican Radio)  Preparing for Pope Francis’ apostolic visit to Uganda, which begins on the Friday 27th of November. the bishops of the nation have called on the overwhelmingly Catholic population to prepare spiritually.

The nature of the visit on the theme “You will be my witnesses” is primarily pastoral and spiritual, and comes at a time when Ugandans are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the canonization of the Uganda Martyrs, who were burned to death for their faith between 1885 and 1887. The martyrs were canonized in 1964.

In a pastoral letter released before the Papal visit, the Ugandan Bishops’ Conference urged Christians to do penance and undertake acts of charity for the poor so they can receive the papal blessing in a worthy manner.

In the run-up to the visit, Bishop Joseph Antony Zziwa of Kiyinda-Mitayana and Vice President of the Ugandan Episcopal Conference spoke to Vatican Radio’s Linda Bordoni about how the Church has been preparing to welcome the Pope.

Bishop Zziwa also talks about the nation’s Christian heritage and about the martyrs of Namugongo:

Listen to the interview: