Uhuru joins leaders in mourning Pope Francis

He said the pontiff worked hard to build strong bonds of friendship amongst different faiths.

by Allan Kisia

News21 April 2025 - 14:30

In Summary

In his message of condolence, the fourth President eulogised Pope Francis as a true embodiment of religious unity.
He prayed to God to comfort all the Catholic faithful as they come to terms with the passing on of Pope Francis.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has joined leaders and Catholic faithful worldwide in mourning Pope Francis who passed on early Monday.

In his message of condolence, the fourth President eulogised Pope Francis as a true embodiment of religious unity.

He said the pontiff worked hard to build strong bonds of friendship amongst different faiths.

“I recall the visit of Pope Francis to our great nation in November 2015 where most Catholic faithful and Kenyans in general renewed their faith and trust in God.

“During that visit, the Pope encouraged Kenyans and pilgrims from across the region to live together as children of the Almighty to portray the true image of God who cherishes peace, harmony and love amongst mankind,” the former President said.

He prayed to God to comfort all the Catholic faithful as they come to terms with the passing on of Pope Francis.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the death of Pope Francis, which occured at his residence, Casa Santa Marta.

The Pope was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on Friday, February 14, 2025, after suffering from a bout of bronchitis for several days.

Pope Francis’ clinical situation gradually worsened, and his doctors diagnosed bilateral pneumonia on Tuesday, February 18.

After 38 days in hospital, the late Pope returned to his Vatican residence at the Casa Santa Marta to continue his recovery.

Pope Francis died at the age of 88, after 12 years as spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

In 2013, Pope Benedict XVI resigned in the first such papal retirement in 600 years, and Francis was elected to replace him.

His death has set in motion the centuries-old process of electing a new Pope.

The new Pope has to be chosen by the Catholic church's most senior officials, known as the College of Cardinals.

All men, they are appointed directly by the Pope, and are usually ordained bishops.

There are currently 252 Catholic cardinals, 138 of whom are eligible to vote for the new Pope.

The others are over the age of 80, which means they cannot take part in the election, although they can join in the debate over who should be selected.