GITEGA, August 18 (ABP) – The President of the Republic of Burundi, Mr. Evariste Ndayishimiye, accompanied by the First Lady Angeline Ndayishimiye, joined the Catholic faithful of Burundi on August 15, 2025, for the celebration of the Assumption of the blessed Virgin Mary. This celebration was combined with the ceremonies marking the proclamation of the Mugera Minor Basilica, an onsite check by ABP has revealed.
Those ceremonies were led by the secretary of the Holy See, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, at the shrine of the Virgin Mary Queen of Peace in Mugera, located in the Bugendana commune of Gitega province (the political capital and center of Burundi), in the presence of all Catholic bishops and archbishops of Burundi.
The ceremonies were also attended by members of both Houses of Parliament, the Vice President of the Republic, members of the government, the ombudsman, the president of the constitutional court, the Secretary General of the CNDD-FDD party, former head of State Domitien Ndayizeye, as well as senior officials and civil servants.
In his speech, Head of State Ndayishimiye expressed deep thanks to Pope Leo XIV for having elevated the Catholic Parish of Mugera to the status of Minor Basilica. He stated that this elevation concerns not only the Catholic Church of Burundi, but the entire country, since in the past, all Burundians knew this place as a site of spirituality and refuge.
The President took the opportunity to invite the Holy Father Leo XIV to visit this sacred site of Mugera and to always keep this Basilica in mind, as it is the first to be proclaimed by this Pope since his appointment. Despite his gratitude, he also pointed out that Burundi wishes to have a cardinal who would take charge of this Basilica, which, in his view, also symbolizes the strengthening of diplomatic relations between Burundi and the Vatican, established 60 years ago. “We have just received a Basilica, but what remains is the appointment of a cardinal who will take care of this Church of the Holy Father,” said President Ndayishimiye.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, secretary of the Holy See at the Vatican, congratulated Burundi on acquiring this Basilica. He expressed gratitude for the pilgrims who welcomed him in Mugera, a symbol of faith, according to him. He concluded expressing hope that Burundians will remain witnesses of forgiveness, love, and reconciliation.
It should be noted that these ceremonies ended with the consecration of Burundi to the Virgin Mary.
