According to Father Vedaste Kayisabe, executive director of the Rwanda Council of Catholic Bishops, Cardinal Antoine Kambanda’s upcoming participation in the Pope’s Conclave marks Rwanda’s historic milestone and a moment of national pride.
“The cardinals involved in the universal governance of the church mean that the Rwandan Church is currently represented at the highest level. We are now informing and engaged in the world’s ecclesiastical issues. This level of visibility has not previously existed.”
Kigali archbishop, the Kanbanda Cardinal, will be one of the 138 Cardinals under the age of 80 eligible to vote in the Conclave Set, which begins on May 7th.
After nine days of mourning, Cardinals from around the world gather in the Sistine Chapel to elect a new Pope, the spiritual leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.
Rwandan’s voice in churches around the world
Father Deogratias Biabandi of the Catholic Diocese of Buumba, said that the Cardinal Cambanda, like all other Cardinals, is eligible for election through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, not through politics or campaigns.
“Pope elections are not a political process. They are guided by God’s will and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit,” he said.
Father Kaisabe emphasized that the role of Cardinal is beyond the title. They help the Pope pilot the church.
“It makes sense to have one of our own within the cardinals. That means that Rwanda now has a voice and presence in the churches of the world,” he said.
He added that the role of Kambanda is strengthening the connection between the local church and the Vatican, encouraging Rwanda more on Catholic issues and informing them.
Asked about the possibility that Cardinal Kambanda would be elected to the Pope, Kaisabe acknowledged that it was theoretically possible – because all elected cardinals are also eligible to be elected, but it was considered unlikely.
“He’s still relatively new – five years in his role – and our church in Rwanda is younger than the old European, Asian or American traditions. But anything is possible if the Holy Spirit does,” he said.
Leadership and personality
Kaisabe described Kambandha Cardinal as a man of sincerity, organization and deep gospel values. He is known for his collaborative leadership style and for maintaining strong relationships with fellow bishops and leaders from various sectors.
Father Beerbandi agreed that while Kambanda’s participation in the Conclave may not structurally change how the church operates in Rwanda, its symbolic value is important.
“There may not be any dramatic changes locally, but having a Rwandan cardinal in Conclave is historically important. If he was elected Pope, it would be an extraordinary moment,” he said.
Beerbandi remembered that he was in a different class but was a fellow Cambanda student. He also recalls a personal encounter in London from 1997 to 1999, with Beerbandi studying at the Catholic University of Reuben, Belgium, and Cambandi earning a PhD in Rome.
“We met in London, shared tea in the park, discussed life and ideas. He was humble, generous and deeply caring. He had an international outlook, but remained based on his Rwandan identity,” Beerbandi said.
He added that Kambanda had long expressed his desire to return to Rwanda and serve, especially after the genocide against Tutchi in 1994. “He believed that Rwanda needed educated and prepared people to help rebuild the country and the church.”
Beerbandi praised Kambanda’s openness, hospitality and work with young people and marginalized groups. “He was always smart, hardworking and caring. Even at school, he helped others succeed.”
Africa’s Growing Role in the Church
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With 18 African Cardinals participating in the Conclave, Beerbandi pointed out that the continent is showing spiritual maturity and increased faith.
“Africa has reached a level where its leaders can contribute meaningfully to the universal church,” he said. “In spite of the difficulties of the past, our people remain in faith and open to the Holy Spirit.”
Rwanda’s first cardinal, the Kambanda Cardinal, was appointed Pope Francis on October 25, 2020. Born in Nyamata on November 10, 1958, he fled to Kenya with his family at an early age, where he completed his early education. He later returned to Rwanda to attend Junior Seminary in Lutongo and Major St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Nyakybanda.
Ordained a priest of Kigali by Pope John Paul II on September 8, 1990, Cambanda later ran through the church class and became one of the most prominent Catholic leaders on the continent.
