Rwanda’s Catholic Church hit a major milestone this Saturday, December 6, as thousands gathered at Amahoro Stadium to celebrate 125 years since the Church first arrived in the country — a moment that also aligns with the worldwide 2025 Christianity Jubilee.
The national event brought together Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva, high-ranking government officials, and delegations of Catholic leaders from within the region and Europe. A total of 20 guests from neighbouring countries—Burundi, Uganda, Tanzania, DR Congo and Kenya—were in attendance, alongside four delegates from Austria and Germany.
While delivering a message from Pope Leo XIV, Apostolic Nuncio Alnaldo Sanchez Catalan said the Holy Father “joins the Church in Rwanda in thanking God” for this historic anniversary. The Pope expressed deep appreciation for the first missionaries who brought the Gospel to Rwanda and all those who helped it flourish through faith and service.
He further encouraged the Catholic community in Rwanda to stand strong in reconciliation, peace, and mutual respect, urging Christians to continue being a “sign of hope” for the youth and for anyone seeking healing and restored unity.
Representing Burundi, Bishop Salvator Niciteretse of the Bururi Diocese called it a blessed double-jubilee moment, praising the Church for its long-standing impact in social sectors such as education and support to vulnerable children.
Cardinal Antoine Kambanda, the Archbishop of Kigali, reminded worshippers that the Christian faith has stood for over two millennia since the time of Jesus Christ, “the very foundation” of Christianity. He emphasised that the Gospel was meant to unite, not divide, adding that had its teachings been fully embraced, the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi would not have taken place.
He acknowledged both the positive legacy and the painful chapters of the Church’s history, noting that while some members took part in the Genocide, many others acted with courage and protected lives. He called for repentance and continued healing.
Cardinal Kambanda highlighted the Church’s current footprint in Rwanda: nine dioceses, 236 parishes, around five million Catholics, 1,160 diocesan priests, 3,884 sisters, 445 brothers, and an extensive network of institutions including 1,758 primary schools, 1,052 secondary schools, six universities, 107 health centres, 10 hospitals, and 263 Early Childhood Development centres.
He closed with a reminder that development without moral values risks leading societies into conflict, stressing the importance of strengthening education and families as Rwanda continues to advance.