Nairobi, Kenya —The Archbishop Emeritus of Nairobi, John Cardinal Njue, will not participate in the upcoming conclave to elect the next Pope due to health concerns, the Archdiocese of Nairobi confirmed in an official statement on Tuesday.
Cardinal Njue, who is eligible to vote in the conclave, had initially received an official invitation from the Apostolic Nunciature in Kenya.
However, after consultation with the Office of the Archbishop of Nairobi, the Apostolic Nuncio informed the Holy See that the 80-year-old cardinal would not be able to travel to Rome for the event, which is set to begin on May 7, 2025.
The announcement follows months of speculation about Cardinal Njue’s health, with his advanced age and frailty contributing to his inability to participate in this important process, which will see Cardinals gather in the Sistine Chapel to elect the next Supreme Pontiff following the passing of Pope Benedict XVI.
The process, which has remained virtually unchanged for over 800 years, will begin with the preparation for the conclave, where the cardinal electors will gather to choose the new Pope. ynews.digital/newsflash/papa…
Most Rev. Philip A. Anyolo, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Nairobi, signed the statement urging the faithful to pray for Cardinal Njue’s health and well-being.
Archbishop Anyolo also called for prayers for the guidance of the Holy Spirit as the College of Cardinals undertakes the solemn task of electing the new Pope, emphasizing the global importance of this decision for the Catholic Church.
Cardinal Njue has been a significant figure in Africa’s Catholic Church.
Appointed Archbishop of Nairobi in 2007, he served until 2021, and was elevated to the rank of Cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in the same year.
His leadership has had a lasting impact on both the local and African Catholic communities.
As the conclave approaches, many Catholics will be reflecting on the pivotal role that the election of the new Pope will play in the global Catholic Church, which faces both challenges and opportunities for renewal under new leadership.
