Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bujumbura (Fides Service)- “The Holy Father’s visit to Burundi in 1990 had a lasting impact on the country and on the life of the people”, Mgr. Jean-Louis Nahimana, vicar general of the archdiocese of Bujumbura and parish priest of the cathedral in the capital told a local Catholic news agency DIA in an interview. “Personally what struck me most was his pastoral concern which brought together the entire people of God all over the world” the priest said.
The news of the death of Pope John Paul I,I given ample space by the national media in Burundi, caused deep grief among the people. When the news was announced Archbishop Evariste Ngoyagoye of Bujumbura spoke to the Catholics of the nation on Radio Isanganiro and Radio Publique Africane, encouraging the faithful to pray for the Pope in unity with the universal Church during the nine official days of mourning.
Bujumbura archdiocese has a population of 1 million of whom 117,000 are Catholics gathered in 26 parishes looked after by 78 diocesan priests, 47 religious priests, 69 Brothers and 158 women religious. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 12/4/2005 righe 20 parole 214)
