Bishop Leon Paul Classe and the Paradigm Shift of Priesthood in Rwanda

Abstract

Modern Rwandan history is indubitably linked to the history of the Catholic Church in Rwanda. Contemporary historians agree on the fact that Bishop Classe is an indispensable historical figure in that shared history. They differ however when it comes to the interpretation of his role. This thesis aimed to show the impact of Classe’s decisions on the Catholic Church in Rwanda and above all its indigenous clergy, as an entity that belonged to the pioneers of modern Rwandan intelligentsia which was likely to influence the rest of the people. It has also sought to understand the influence of Catholic clergy, on traditional Rwandan society, colonial Rwanda, and Rwanda as an emergent, independent nation.