Pope Francis waves to faithful as he arrives at meeting with the Kenyan youth at the Kasarani Stadium in Kenya's capital Nairobi, on November 27, 2015.
Christians from across the country mourned Pope Francis who died on Easter Monday, as one who loved Christ, and “a central pillar that held Christians together” even as they drew symbolism to Jesus’s “resurrection” while the Pope “went to be with the Lord.”
The world is in mourning following the death of Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, after a long illness.
The 88-year-old Pontiff had been battling multiple health challenges in recent years, including a series of respiratory and gastrointestinal complications that saw him undergo several hospitalisations and medical procedures.
Despite his frailty, the Pope remained active in Vatican affairs, often seen addressing the faithful through recorded messages and brief public appearances.
His death comes just weeks after the Catholic Church marked the beginning of the Jubilee Year of Hope, a spiritual celebration close to his heart and symbolic of his enduring message of faith, unity, and compassion.
Retired Cardinal John Njue expressed grief at the Pope’s sudden death.
“I have learnt of the Pope’s passing on with great shock. The death of the Pope has happened so abruptly, taking me by surprise. It will be difficult for me to comment about it at the moment,” said the retired cardinal.
In Mombasa, Catholic Archbishop Martin Kivuva Musonde of the Holy Ghost Cathedral led local tributes, describing the late Pope as a champion of social justice and interfaith harmony.
“We all know he was very sick, and you remember he had a major undertaking. He was a very focused man on social justice. He did his best up to the last minute. He was very committed, especially to interfaith and interreligious dialogue,” Archbishop Kivuva said.
Pope Francis, the first Jesuit and the first Latin American to lead the Roman Catholic Church, is remembered for his down-to-earth style, unwavering humility, and bold stance on global issues, including war, poverty, and climate change.
“He was in the forefront of advocating peace in Gaza and strongly supported the possibility of a two-state solution. He also played a role in efforts to reconcile factions in South Sudan and called for peace in Ukraine,” Archbishop Kivuva added.
The archbishop said the Church would now enter a period of mourning and reflection as it prepares for the conclave, the closed-door assembly of cardinals in Rome that will elect a new Pope following burial arrangements.
“Life has to come to an end, but the Church has a way. Soon or later, the cardinals will be called to Rome. After burial, they will sit and discern who will be the next leader,” he said.
The prelate further reminded the faithful of the symbolic nature of Ash Wednesday, which Pope Francis often referenced in his homilies, “You are dust and to dust you shall return” as a reminder of life’s transience.
“We have lost a very humble individual. He fasted, prayed, and stayed grounded. Even in his last days, he remained hopeful. We do not lose hope even as the Lord has taken him,” Archbishop Kivuva said.
Murang’a Catholic Bishop Maria Wainaina mourned Pope Francis as “that central pillar that held us together globally. A compassionate, logical and wise faith leader whose core agenda was to serve Christ and mankind. As the world mourns end of an era coincidentally with the celebrations of the rise of Christ, we are in good stead and the situation will stabilise.”
Archbishop Antony Muheria of Nyeri could not be reached with his assistants saying he had had travelled out of the country.
A source within his office revealed that the Archbishop travelled to Rome on Sunday afternoon, shortly after leading the 11 am Mass Service.
”He was in a hurry yesterday (Sunday). After concluding the service, he left for Rome. We are yet to receive an official statement from him regarding his tribute to the Pope,” the source said.
In Meru, Father David Kaberia of St Joseph’s Cathedral in Meru town told Nation that Bishop Salesius Mugambi could not be reached for comment as he had travelled to Israel.
The Speaker of the Senate Amason Jeffah Kingi, also joined the Catholic faithful across the globe at this moment of deep grief following the death of Pope Francis.
“Pope Francis has fought the good fight; has finished the race; and has kept the faith. May his soul rest in eternal peace, said Mr Kingi in a statement.
He said the senate will this week have a crucial meeting following the death of Pope Francis.
“I have a meeting tomorrow which should give us direction on what to do next,” he said.
The Senators who are Catholic faithful have an organization where they meet to address matters affecting their faith.
Meanwhile, Archbishop Kivuva also took a moment to reflect on a local tragedy in Bamburi, Mombasa, where two residents died after a septic tank caved in.
“Life and death is part of our journey on earth. Whether here or at the Vatican, we are all called at our appointed time,” he said.
He called on the media to continue highlighting matters of justice, fairness, and governance, urging stronger collaboration between the Church, society, and government.
“We need to see integrity and humanity exercised across the nation. The Church, society, and government should complement each other in building a just nation,” Archbishop Kivuva added.
Reporting by Wachira Mwangi, Francis Mureithi, Mwangi Muiruri, David Muchui and Mercy Mwende
