President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni welcomed His Beatitude Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, Theodore II, to State House, Entebbe, in a historic meeting aimed at promoting religious harmony and unity in Africa.
Pope Theodore II, the spiritual head of the Greek Orthodox Church in Africa, expressed his gratitude to President Museveni for his commitment to upholding freedom of worship in Uganda.
“Your Excellency, we bring you the gratitude of the Orthodox Church for the warm reception we have received,” the Pope said.
The Pope also commended President Museveni’s role in supporting religious freedom, highlighting the strong ties between Uganda and the Orthodox Church.
“We feel great joy that you are a father to His Eminence Metropolitan Jeronymos Muzeeyi, the Archbishop of the Orthodox Church in Uganda,” Pope Theodore II added.
Pope Theodore II acknowledged Uganda’s efforts in fostering peace and unity in the region, particularly regarding conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“We respect both Muslims and Christians alike,” the Pope said, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and tolerance among different religious groups.
President Museveni emphasized the need for mutual respect among different religious and cultural groups, referencing the biblical parable of the Good Samaritan.
“Jesus was clear, judge what you do, not what you say or claim to be,” President Museveni said, criticizing religious extremism.
The President also warned against sectarianism, stating, “If I don’t respect someone because he is not from my tribe, then I am an enemy of myself first and foremost”.
The meeting was attended by the Vice President, H.E Jessica Alupo, and Archbishop Jeronymos Muzeeyi of the Orthodox Church in Uganda, among other dignitaries.
As part of his visit, Pope Theodore II is set to visit Lwemiyaga and Gulu, where he will engage with local communities and leaders .
