ADDRESS O F PAUL VI
TO THE FIRST AMBASSADOR OF THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA
TO THE HOLY SEE*

Monday, 28 July 1969

Mister Ambassador,

Sincerely touched by the kind sentiments you have expressed, in presenting Us with your Credential Letters as first Ambassador of the Republic of Uganda to this Holy See, We thank you for your address, and bid you a cordial welcome and every success in your new duties.

In a few days, We shall have the great honour of setting foot on African soil in your beloved country, thus commencing the first visit of a Roman Pontiff to your great Continent. Our pilgrimage is to the brave young Martyrs whom Uganda has given to the Church and to the whole world, and whose sacrifice has brought such honour to Africa. Our prayer will be that God may inspire men to labour unselfishly and unceasingly for that progress of peoples, that development which is the new name of peace, in favour of every Nation and every family of the African Continent.

Assuring Your Excellency of Our constant desire to foster happy and friendly relations between your Nation and the Apostolic See, We ask you kindly to express Our respectful salutation to the President and Government of the Republic, and We invoke upon Uganda and its beloved people the richest graces and blessings of Almighty God.

*AAS 61 (1969), p.568.

Insegnamenti di Paolo VI, vol. VII, p.518.

L’Attività della Santa Sede 1969, p.337.

L'Osservatore Romano 28-29.7.1969, p.1.

ORa n.32 p.10.