Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has joined the world leaders in mourning the death of the head of the catholic church, Pope Francis.
Pope Francis passed on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, hours after making a rare public appearance following months of illness, where he waved at hundreds of faithful and even chauffeured around in the ceremonial car.
In his condolence note, Uhuru eulogised Pope Francis as a true embodiment of religious unity. He described the deceased as a pontiff who worked hard to build strong bonds of friendship amongst different faiths.
Pope’s visit to Kenya
In his statement, Uhuru recalled Pope Francis’ historical visit to Kenya in November 2015. According to the former head of state, the visit allowed most believers to renew their faith.
“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,” Uhuru’s statement read in part.
At the same time, Uhuru stated that the late Pope encouraged Kenyans to cherish peace and love. According to Uhuru, the late Pope valued those virtues which he wanted upheld in the country.
“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 recalled.
Uhuru prayed to God to comfort the Catholic faithful as they come to terms with Pope Francis’s death.
His death and sickness
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.
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.