Presidential candidates invited for papal Mass
Clockwise: Dr Besigye, Mr Amama Mbabazi, Mr Museveni, Dr Abed Bwanika, Gen Biraaro, Prof. Baryamureeba, Mr Mabiriizi, Ms Kyalya.
Kampala- The Catholic Church has extended invitations to all presidential candidates for the open-air Mass to be presided over by Pope Francis this Saturday.
Bishop Joseph Franzelli, who is the head of media and communications for the Catholic Church organising committee, said yesterday the church had invited all political leaders, because ‘the Pope is a minister of the Gospel and is for everyone.’
“Let us receive him with open minds and hearts,” Bishop Franzelli said. President Museveni, the NRM presidential candidate, will take time off from his campaigns between Friday and Sunday to receive the pontiff at the airport this Friday.
Confirmation
Independent presidential candidate Amama Mbabazi yesterday said he would suspend his campaign to be at Namugongo to attend the Pope’s Mass. “We have put on hold our campaign in order to receive the Pope, we the leadership and our supporters will all go and show how delighted we are,” he said.
Dr Besigye, according to FDC officials, will also suspend his campaigns, to attend the papal Mass this saturday. It was not clear if other presidential candidates will attend the papal activities.
At his presser, Mr Mbabazi sent out a message on the Pope’s visit saying it is an opportunity for prayer, especially at this critical political time.
