Nairobi, Kenya- The Easter Monday sunrise brought not joy but heartbreak, as news of Pope Francis’ passing sent ripples of grief across continents—including here in Kenya, where leaders and faithful alike are remembering the 266th pontiff as a global beacon of humility, compassion, and justice.
President William Ruto led the nation in paying tribute to the late pope, calling his death a “profound loss” not just for the Catholic Church but for the entire Christian world.
The Vatican confirmed Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, died early Monday morning after a decade-long papacy defined by inclusion, reform, and servant leadership.
We join the Catholic Church and the global Christian community in mourning the passing of Pope Francis.This is a big loss to the Catholic faithful and the Christian world. Pope Francis will be remembered for a life dedicated to serving the Lord, the Church, and humanity.He
In a heartfelt public statement, President Ruto described Pope Francis as a spiritual trailblazer who embodied mercy, simplicity, and advocacy for the voiceless.
“We join the Catholic Church and the global Christian community in mourning the passing of Pope Francis,” Ruto said. “This is a big loss to the Catholic faithful and the Christian world.”
The president commended the pontiff’s unwavering commitment to the poor and vulnerable—values that shaped much of his tenure. “He exemplified servant leadership through his humility, his unwavering commitment to inclusivity and justice, and his deep compassion for the poor and the vulnerable.”
Ruto further noted that the pope’s legacy transcended religion. “His strong ethical and moral convictions inspired millions across the world, regardless of faith or background. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Kenya’s political elite echoed the president’s sentiments, with both Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi offering poignant reflections.
With deep sorrow and a profound sense of loss, I join millions across the world in mourning the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis.A beacon of humility, compassion, and social justice, Pope Francis dedicated his life to serving God and humanity. His unwavering advocacy for
Wetang’ula, a devout Catholic himself, described Pope Francis as “a spiritual beacon of humility, love, and justice.”
In a personal message of condolence, he said, “It is with deep sorrow and a profound sense of loss that I have received the news of the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis. He was a spiritual shepherd who dedicated his life to the service of God and humanity.”
He went on to praise the pope’s relentless efforts to uplift the marginalized: “His Holiness embodied the very essence of Christ’s teachings, urging us to embrace love, mercy, and forgiveness.”
Mudavadi offered his own tribute, framing the pope’s death as a moment of spiritual and moral reckoning for the world. “A light to the world has dimmed.
Today, we mourn the passing of Pope Francis, a shepherd of hope, peace, and unwavering faith. His legacy of compassion and unity will endure across generations.”
From Vatican corridors to Nairobi pews, Pope Francis’ legacy continues to resonate. As the first Latin American and Jesuit pope, he broke centuries-old tradition—and more importantly, broke barriers of exclusion, preaching mercy over judgment and dialogue over division.
His progressive stances on social justice, economic inequality, and the environment endeared him to Catholics and non-Catholics alike, including Kenya’s 10 million-strong Catholic population.
From urging compassion for refugees to fighting clerical abuse, Pope Francis consistently aligned himself with those often unheard and unseen.
His death marks the end of a transformative papacy that redefined what spiritual leadership looks like in the 21st century. And here in Kenya, he’ll be remembered not only as a pope—but as a voice for the people.
Final Blessing: A Pope Who Belonged to the World
As tributes continue to pour in, one thing is certain: Pope Francis wasn’t just the leader of the Roman Catholic Church—he was a global conscience.
He reminded us that power lies not in thrones, but in service. And for that, Kenya—alongside the rest of the world—mourns a truly irreplaceable figure.
