- The administrative diagram has placed the name of the Kenyan Cardinal Njue in the international light after the Vatican corrected his date of birth, which makes him the right to vote to elect the next Pope
- Cardinal Njue will enter the Sistine Chapel church with the silent prayers of millions of Kenyans expecting the pope from the south of the world
- For the first time, the voice of Africa is heard at a meeting of 18 voters, and the continent that dares to dream
- While 133 Cardinals are preparing to elect a new Pope, Francis’s inheritance, the Pope of the Side, will be a vision that directs them towards a new spiritual dawn
As the Catholic Church prepares to turn a new chapter following the death of Pope Francis, John Cardinal Njue of Kenya is among the cardinals who will take part in a historic conference that begins on Wednesday, May 7.
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A Honorable Summit within the Sistine Chapel Church will be one of the world’s largest religious events – 268 Pope’s election by a spiritual leader of over 1.3 billion Catholics.
The conclave, which is performed with great secrecy, is held in accordance with the traditions of the past centuries, in which Cardinals under the age of 80 play a major role in electing a new Bishop of Rome.
Why has the Cardinal’s legitimacy Njue invented the conversation?
Cardinal John Njue, retired Archbishop of Nairobi, carries not only his red cardinant hat, but also the hopes and requests of Kenyan believers to the Vatican.
However, its legitimacy to participate in this important conclave has sparked a new debate following an administrative confusion about his age.
For many years, his date of birth was uncertain. Preliminary Vatican records simply stated that he was born in 1944, with the official Vatican’s book – Annnuario Pontificio – listing December 31, 1944, as an acceptable date of birth.
This meant that Njue would reach the age of 80 on December 31, 2024, the age when the cardinals lose their right to vote in the Pope’s election.
However, to the surprise of many, the new edition of the book now shows its birth date as January 1, 1946 – minor administrative amendments but impact.
This amendment makes Cardinal Njue officially recognized for two years than previously thought. This not only enables him to participate in the May 2025 conclave, but it also extends his term of service as a member of the Dicastery for Vatican Evangelisation.
Cardinal Njue, a native of Embu, was appointed Cardinal in 2007 by Pope Benedict XVI and served as Archbishop of Nairobi until January 2021, when Pope Francis approved his retirement.
Is Africa approaching in any way to get the first Pope?
Of the 252 cardinals in the world, only 135 are eligible to vote as they have not yet reached 80.
Two Cardinals – Angelo Becciu of Italy and Spanish Antonio Cañizares – have refused to attend due to Vatican’s earlier penalties and health problems, respectively. This leaves 133 Cardinals voting from 71 countries.
Although Europe still leads to a number of voters (53), Italy with 19 alone, Pope Francis’s legacy has great weight in this conclave. Of the 133, 108 voters were appointed by Pope Francis – a deliberate attempt to show the image of the whole world of the Church, especially its growth in Africa, Asia, and South America.
Africa is represented by 18 Cardinals voting, expressing the power and youth of African Christianity. Names such as Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Cardinal Dieudonné Nzapalainga of Central Africa are known for their position on social rights and service to the poor – the main position in the administration of Pope Francis.
Cardinal Njue, former President of the Catholic Bishops’ Council of Kenya, is known for his strong position on the values of society and national unity, and brings great administrative experience within the Church.
Although no African has ever been chosen as Pope, many analysts believe when the continent may be approaching.
Pope Francis’s inheritance affecting the choice of his successor?
Under the leadership of Pope Francis, the chapter of the Cardinal Council has changed dramatically. 12 nations – including South Sudan, Haiti, Cape Verde and Malaysia – are the first representatives.
These changes reflect the pope’s commitment to transferring the church’s direction from the traditional European powers to the spiritual wealth of the world.
Cardinals like Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, Peter Turkson of Ghana, and Jean-Claude Hollerich of Luxembourg are considered the most influential voices in this election.
The age of voters varies greatly; The youngest is Australian Bychok (born Ukraine), 45, and the oldest are Carlos Osoro Sierra of Spain, 79.
Of the 133, 33 Cardinals come from religious organizations. The Salesians have five cardinals, and the rest include the Jeusuit, the Francis, the Dominicians and the Waredemptoristi.
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Why was Bishop the Muheria?
In another statement, Archbishop Anthony Muheria of Nyeri planned a visit to Rome, which for Luck The worst was in line with the death of Pope Francis.
At the Vatican, the Muheria joined the mourners in St. Peter’s church to honor the Pope.
He shared photos and messages saying he felt great respect to pray for the late Pope on behalf of Kenyans.
The Muheria emphasized the heritage of Pope Francis of mercy and compassion for the neglected in society.
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