NAIROBI, Kenya – Following the historic election of Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV, Kenyans have flooded social media with memories of the then-Cardinal’s visit to Kenya in December 2024.
The visit, which was relatively low-profile at the time, has now taken on greater significance in light of his recent elevation to the papacy.
Pope Leo XIV, during his trip to Kenya, presided over the dedication of the Our Mother of Good Counsel chapel in Nairobi, a significant event for the Augustinian community in Kenya.
The chapel is part of a long-term project to create a space for worship and the formation of seminarians, further cementing the church’s commitment to faith and community building in the region.
Kenyan social media users are reminiscing about the moment with posts such as Caleb Kibet’s, who shared, “Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost from the USA has been unveiled as new Pope Leo XIV at the age of 69. Congratulations. This is Pope Leo XIV in Kenya in December 2024.”
The Communication Network for Catholic Sisters in Kenya (CNCS) also posted a heartfelt surprise, saying, “Did you know that Pope Leo XIV was in Kenya just last year—before becoming Pope? On December 10, 2024, he dedicated the Mother of Good Counsel Chapel at St. Augustine Friary in Nairobi. Who knew we were hosting the future Holy Father!”
Another Facebook user, Nico Kyalo, shared his excitement, highlighting, “Do you know that the new Pope has been in Kenya last year and visited Baba Dogo parish…yes, he came to dedicate the new chapel of Mother of Good Counsel, the Blessing of the Marian Grotto, and the Adoration Chapel…. Kenya has had the New Pope’s Taste…”
