Kibeho: The Rwandan government and the Catholic Church are planning to build the largest Catholic church in the country to replace a prison that is free of prisoners. The new Catholic Church is being built on the 5.5-acre Nairunghe Prison in the central business district of Rwanda’s capital, Kigali. St. Michael’s Church, the present Catholic church in Kigali, is located near the State House. Due to security reasons, other buildings near the State House have been demolished and the existing Catholic Church has been reduced.
In the first week of January, the church decided to build the world’s largest basilica in Rwanda’s southern province of Kibeho. The next decision will follow. Built-in the 1930s, Naruergenge Prison is one of the oldest prisons in the country. Following the old age, it was decided to transfer the prisoners to another prison. In July 2018, the last batch of prisoners was transferred from this prison, which is part of history. St. Michael’s Cathedral is also the seat of the Archdiocese of Kigali.
Fr. Rector of the Divine Mercy Sanctuary in Rwanda said that the land has been given by the government and the church is responsible for the construction of the church. Says Jean-Pierre Sabina. The Regina parish priest in Kigali said that locals are thrilled to see the new cathedral in the jail premises. Said John Bosco Nundagungira. It is also interesting to note that the news of the new church has come out amid allegations that the government is trying to restrict the number of temples in Rwanda.
