The Archbishop of Nyeri Anthony Muheria has revealed that he received news of Pope Francis’ death while on his way to Rome.
In a statement on Monday, April 21, 2025, Muheria eulogised the pontiff as a leader who awakened the church to care for the marginalised and expanded the heart of mercy among Christians.
“This morning on my journey to Rome for a meeting, we have received the sad news of the transition of our dear Holy Father, Pope Francis, to our Heavenly Father’s house. It is both shocking as it is sad. We know he has been hospitalized for a long time last month and discharged looking better. We were so happy when we saw him briefly, though frail, in the Easter mass and in his last urbi and orbi (universal to the world) blessing on Easter Sunday midday,” Muheria stated.
“As good children of this common Father and shepherd, we all come together to offer prayers for our dear Holy Father. I invite you all to offer masses for his soul for the next seven days, and invite all Christians to pray rosaries and sacrifices for his soul.”
Muheria has also highlighted the Pope’s visit to Kenya in 2015 and his clarion call to fight corruption in the country.
“We really thank God for the gift of Pope Francis, who has reawakened in the Church the greater concern for the marginalized, and the expanded the heart of Mercy among the Christians. We in Kenya remember fondly his visit in 2015, and his clarion call to fight corruption, and urging us care more for the poor! He has truly been a champion of detachment and ordinariness.I hope to pray before his mortal remains during my visit to Rome and offer our homage to this servant of God of extraordinary qualities,” Muheria added.
“May almighty God grant him eternal happiness, which he has always longed for! I send you my blessing even in this sad moment.”
Pope’s death
The Vatican announced Pope Francis’ death on Monday, April 21, 2025. Pope Francis was the first non-European pontiff in nearly 1,300 years.
The death of Francis, who became the first Latin-American pontiff in 2013 and was one of the oldest popes in the church’s history, came weeks after he was discharged from a Rome hospital having battled a life-threatening case of pneumonia in both lungs.
According to Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, the Pope passed away at 7:35 am on Monday, April 21, 2025.
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church.
“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalised. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced.
Francis Muli
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