Wetang’ula Meets Pope Leo XIV at Vatican

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has met and engaged Pope Leo XIV during a Papal Audience at the Vatican in Rome.

Wetang’ula said the meeting provided an opportunity to convey the goodwill of the Kenyan people to the Catholic Church leader and discuss a range of issues.

“I was privileged to meet and engage His Holiness Pope Leo during a Papal Audience at the Vatican, a moment that provided the opportunity to convey the goodwill message of the people of Kenya and reflect with the Holy Father on a wide range of issues,” Wetang’ula said.

He described the encounter as memorable, saying it renewed his commitment to public service and inspired him to continue serving with integrity.

“This memorable encounter renewed my commitment to serving with integrity and purpose while drawing inspiration from the Holy Father’s message of hope, compassion and human solidarity,” he said.

Wetang’ula was accompanied by Members of Parliament Peter Kaluma, John Bwire, Lydia Haika, Katana Kahindi and Paul Abuor.

Kenya’s Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Kenya to the Holy See in Rome, Ambassador Rose Sumbeiywo, also accompanied the National Assembly Speaker.

The meeting took place during the Vatican’s weekly General Audience held on Wednesday, August 26.

Pope Leo XIV delivered his catechesis at St Peter’s Basilica during the gathering, which brought together pilgrims and visitors from different parts of the world.

Wetang’ula described the General Audience as an occasion centred on peace, hope and service to humanity.

A Papal Audience is a formal gathering where the Pope meets and addresses Catholics, pilgrims, officials and invited groups.

The General Audience is among the most common Papal Audiences and is normally held on Wednesdays at the Vatican.