Pope Francis has been
invited as chief celebrant to the 50th anniversary of the canonization
of Uganda Martyrs by Marcel Robert Tibaleka, Uganda Ambassador to
Germany. This was at an event where Tibaleka presented his letters of credence to His Holiness the Pope.
Tibaleka has been accredited by His Holiness the Pope as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uganda to the Holy See.
The title implies that Tibaleka is fully authorised to represent the Uganda government at the Vatican.
During the brief engagement with His Holiness, Tibaleka extended special greetings from His Excellency President Museveni.
Twenty-two Catholic martyrs of Uganda were solemnly proclaimed saints by Pope Paul VI in St. Peter's Basilica, Rome on October 18, 1964.
Kampala Archbishop Dr Cyprian Kizito-Lwanga recently lit a candle to mark the start of preparations for the anniversary celebrations next year.