Papal Pavillion

The Papal Pavilion commemorates the visit of Pope John Paul II (1920-2005) between 14 & 16 September 1988.  During his visit, he beatified Father Joseph Gérard (1831-1914), the Apostle of Lesotho, who worked in the mission at Lesotho and is deemed responsible for the boom of Roman Catholicism in Lesotho.  During his visit, the Pope celebrated Mass in the Pro-Cathedral of Roma, prayed at Father Gérard’s tomb, addressed the Ecumenical Conference and visited the King at the Royal Palace.  Sadly crowds were sparse as pilgrims were held hostage on their way to see the Pope.  Only 10,000 people witnessed the beatification.