His Eminence John Cardinal Njue will not participate in the papal conclave set to begin Wednesday in Rome following the death of Pope Francis, the Archdiocese of Nairobi has confirmed.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Archbishop Philip Anyolo clarified that although Cardinal Njue was officially invited and remains eligible to vote in the election of the new pope, he will be unable to travel due to health concerns.
“Although His Eminence is eligible to participate and was officially invited through the Apostolic Nunciature in Kenya, the Apostolic Nuncio, in concurrence with the Office of the Archbishop of Nairobi, duly communicated to the competent office of the Holy See that, owing to his current health condition, His Eminence John Cardinal Njue will be unable to travel to Rome and take part in the Conclave,” Anyolo stated.
His absence means Kenya will have no voting representative in the process to elect the next pope.
Archbishop Anyolo called on the faithful to pray both for the cardinal’s health and for divine guidance over the conclave proceedings.
“As the College of Cardinals prepares to enter into conclave tomorrow, I earnestly urge all the faithful to pray that the Holy Spirit may guide the Cardinals… Let us also continue to pray for the good health of His Eminence John Cardinal Njue,” he said.
Cardinal Njue served as the Archbishop of Nairobi from 2007 to 2021, when he retired after attaining the age of 75 in accordance with Church canon law.
He joins a distinguished list of leaders who have shepherded the Archdiocese over the decades, including Archbishop John Joseph McCarthy (1953–1971), Maurice Michael Otunga (1971–1997), and Ndingi Mwana ‘a Nzeki (1997–2007).
A total of 133 cardinals are confirmed to participate in the conclave, which is being held under strict secrecy within the Sistine Chapel.
All officials and staff involved in the process have already taken an oath of secrecy to uphold the integrity of the election.
