Papal Visit | When Pope Paul VI Made His First Apostolic Pilgrimage to Africa and Uganda – July 31st 1969

On his first pilgrimage to Africa, Pope Paul VI was welcomed at Entebbe Airport on 31 July 1969 where he greeted the people of Africa and Uganda. The Holy Father then celebrated Mass in Kampala (at the conclusion of the Symposium organized by the Bishops of Africa) before meeting with the then Ugandan head of State President Apollo Milton Obote.

On Friday August 1st began with the Episcopal ordination of 12 Bishops at Kololo airstrip, Pope Paul then met with the members of Parliament of Uganda, members of the Diplomatic Corps, the sick at Mulogo hospital, the faithful believers from the village of Mengo, those at the center for human promotion, the sick in Rubaga hospital, members of Catholic Action group and other Catholic Associations of Uganda. On his maiden visit he also met with the leaders and representatives from the Islamic community of Uganda.

On his final day of pilgrimage, Paul VI visited the Shrine of Namugongo where he met with members of the Anglican Church of Uganda before giving a final address to the faithful believers gathered at Rubaga Cathedral ahead of his Farewell ceremony.

Pope Francis is the 266th and current Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, a title he holds ex officio as Bishop of Rome, and Sovereign of the Vatican City. He will be the 3rd living Pope to visit Uganda this week from the November 27th and 29th 2015.

This is a flashback moment of Pope Paul VI’s pilgrimage to Uganda on his 8th apostolic journey on 31st July – 2nd August 1969.

The 1969 colorful video appears courtesy of British Pathe and the report courtesy of Totus2us!