The Archdiocese of Nairobi confirmed that John Cardinal Njue, Archbishop Emeritus of Nairobi, will not take part in the upcoming conclave to elect the next Pope due to health reasons.
The announcement was made in an official statement issued by the Archbishop’s office on Tuesday.
Cardinal Njue, who is eligible to vote in the conclave, had received an official invitation from the Apostolic Nunciature in Kenya according to the statement.
However, the Apostolic Nuncio, after consulting with the Office of the Archbishop of Nairobi, informed the Holy See that the 80-year-old Cardinal would be unable to travel to Rome for the proceedings, which are scheduled to begin on May 7, 2025.
The statement, signed by Most Rev. Philip A. Anyolo, Metropolitan Archbishop of Nairobi, urged the faithful to pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit as the College of Cardinals undertakes the solemn task of electing the next Supreme Pontiff.
Archbishop Anyolo also asked for continued prayers for Cardinal Njue’s health and well-being.
Cardinal Njue, a prominent figure in Africa’s Catholic Church, was appointed Archbishop of Nairobi from 2007 to 2021.
Pope Benedict XVI promoted him to Cardinal in 2007.
The conclave, which will gather Cardinals from around the world in the Sistine Chapel, follows the passing of the Pope.
The election of a new Pontiff is a critical event for the global Catholic Church, with millions of faithful awaiting the outcome.
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