Paul Kagame Criticizes Vatican Over King Baudouin's Beatification Process
Rwandan President Paul Kagame has voiced strong disapproval of the Catholic Church's decision to begin the beatification and canonization process for former Belgian King Baudouin. Speaking on the matter, Kagame criticized the move as ignoring the historical record of atrocities attributed to the Belgian monarchy during Rwanda’s colonial era.
Photo source: KT PRESS
Historians and Kagame accuse King Baudouin of deepening ethnic divisions that later gave rise to an extremist post-independence Hutu regime, culminating in the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. These divisions, they argue, were deliberately institutionalized under Belgian rule, with far-reaching consequences for Rwanda's sociopolitical landscape.
Kagame expressed his frustration by remarking, “It is very hard to rationalize anything these days. Global trends, especially in politics, seem to disregard facts, evidence, or logic—it’s just a matter of ‘to whom it may concern.’” His comments underscore the growing tension between historical accountability and religious recognition, sparking debate over the Catholic Church’s role in acknowledging the legacy of colonialism.
The beatification process, seen as the first step toward sainthood in the Catholic tradition, has raised questions about the Church’s priorities and its alignment with global justice. For many Rwandans, King Baudouin’s policies and decisions during his reign were instrumental in fostering divisions that set the stage for decades of violence and suffering.
While some argue that Baudouin's personal faith and leadership in Belgium deserve recognition, others, like Kagame, insist that the Church must reckon with the historical impact of colonial figures on Africa. Critics fear that canonizing such a controversial figure risks whitewashing a dark chapter of Rwanda’s history.
Is Kagame justified in his criticism of the Vatican? His stance reflects a broader demand for the global community to prioritize truth and accountability over selective narratives that obscure historical injustices. The controversy underscores the need for deeper conversations about how the legacies of colonialism are remembered and addressed, especially in contexts where they led to devastating consequences.
As Rwanda continues to heal from its past, Kagame's remarks resonate with many who seek justice and recognition for the enduring impact of colonial rule. Whether the Vatican will reconsider its stance remains to be seen, but the debate serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities surrounding historical memory and moral accountability.
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