Pope meetings: Venues to close 3 hours before Pontiff arrives
Kampala.
All those planning to listen to the homilies of Pope Francis in person will have to be at the designated venues at least three hours before the Pontiff’s arrival.
According to a statement on the Uganda Episcopal Conference official Facebook page, those from distant places and dioceses, are advised to start arriving at the Uganda Martyrs Shrine, Namugongo this Friday, a day before the Pope’s open air mass this Saturday. Millions are expected to attend the mass, the Pontiff’s biggest open public activity.
The other venues include, Rubaga Cathedral, Kololo Independence Grounds and the Mapeera Bakateyamba Home in Nalukolongo. Pope Francis is expected to meet more than 100,000 youth at Kololo. 10,000 have been specifically accredited by the Catholic Church to interact with the Pontiff.
The Catholic Church also issued a list of items banned within the venues of the papal activities - including guns, pistols or toy firearms, large bags, cameras or video cameras and all other sharp edged tools like knives.
Other items prohibited include computers, canned food, chemical reactants, incendiary devices or other electric and electronic devices.
“We encourage [the people] to cooperate with security for smooth screening and to avoid commotions.”
President Museveni yesterday also welcomed Pope Francis to Uganda, and praised the Pontiff’s “compassion for the poor and frankness of spirit”. In a massage released by his office, the President said: “May Pope Francis’ visit deepen our love for each other as Ugandans, the oneness of spirit and promote torelance and unity across the country,” the President said.
Other guidelines
Bishops. Bishops are requested to come with their Episcopal Regalia and an Alb. Chausibles and Stoles will be provided.
Priests. Priests to put on their black cassocks. They should come with an Alb. Chausibles and Stoles will be provided to those who have been accredited
