Nyeri's Archbishop Anthony Muheria mourned the pope as a "servant of God of extraordinary qualities."
In a message released while enroute to Rome for a Church meeting, Archbishop Muheria expressed shock and sorrow at the news, describing the Pope’s passing as a moment of deep grief for the Catholic Church.
“This morning on my journey to Rome for a meeting, we have received the sad news of the transition of our dear Holy Father, Pope Francis, to our Heavenly Father’s house. It is both shocking and sad,” he wrote in a message addressed to priests and all Christians.
The Archbishop called on the Catholic Church to offer daily Masses for the Pope’s soul for the next seven days as well as prayers and personal sacrifices in his memory.
Archbishop Muheria noted that although the Pope had been hospitalised last month, there had been hope after his recovery and brief appearance during Easter.
“We were so happy when we saw him briefly, though frail, in the Easter Mass and in his last urbi et orbi (universal to the world) blessing on Easter Sunday midday,” he said.
He praised the Pope’s legacy, particularly his compassion for the poor and marginalised, and his emphasis on mercy within the Church.
“We really thank God for the gift of Pope Francis, who has reawakened in the Church the greater concern for the marginalized, and expanded the heart of Mercy among the Christians.”
Recalling the Pope’s visit to Kenya in 2015, the Archbishop said many remember his powerful call to fight corruption and care for the poor.
“He has truly been a champion of detachment and ordinariness,” he added.
