ROME — Saturday, 26 April 2025
President William Ruto, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula were in Rome on Saturday to attend the funeral of Pope Francis.
The three leaders joined thousands of mourners at St Peter’s Basilica, where the late pontiff was honoured in a solemn ceremony following his death earlier this week at the age of 88.
Their presence underscored Kenya’s deep ties with the Catholic Church and the Vatican, and reflected the significance of Pope Francis’s legacy, not only within Europe but across Africa.
Speaking shortly before the service, President Ruto said Kenya’s delegation was there to pay respects to a “global spiritual leader who championed peace, justice, and human dignity.”
“Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy that transcends faith and borders,” Mr Ruto said. “We mourn his passing but celebrate a life that touched millions, including many in Kenya.”
The funeral mass, held under grey skies, was attended by heads of state, religious leaders, and dignitaries from around the world. Bells tolled across Rome as the city came to a near standstill in honour of the first pope from Latin America.
Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi, reflecting on the moment, said: “Pope Francis taught us the value of humility, service, and compassion — values we must all carry forward.”
Speaker Moses Wetang’ula echoed the sentiments, praising the pope’s efforts to bridge divisions within the Church and in global politics. “He was a voice for the poor, the marginalised, and the environment,” he said.
A Life Remembered
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, became the 266th leader of the Catholic Church in 2013. His papacy was marked by efforts to reform Church governance, address scandals, and advocate for social justice.
During his tenure, he visited several African countries, including Kenya in 2015, where he was warmly received by huge crowds. His messages of peace, environmental stewardship, and interfaith dialogue resonated strongly with many Kenyans.
The Vatican had earlier announced that Pope Francis’s final resting place would be in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a site he visited often throughout his life.
Kenya’s Deepening Ties with the Vatican
Kenya has a long history of strong relations with the Holy See. Catholics make up around 30 per cent of Kenya’s population, and successive Kenyan governments have worked closely with the Church, particularly in education, health care, and peacebuilding initiatives.
Saturday’s funeral attendance further demonstrated Nairobi’s commitment to maintaining this partnership at the highest diplomatic levels.
The Kenyan delegation is expected to hold brief meetings with Vatican officials before returning home.
As President Ruto put it: “Today we mourn. But we also commit ourselves to the ideals Pope Francis lived by: justice, peace, humility, and service to humanity.”
