President William Ruto has led the nation in mourning the
death of Pope Francis, calling it a profound loss to the Catholic Church and
the global Christian community.
Pope Francis was announced dead on Easter Monday morning.
In a heartfelt statement, President Ruto praised the late
pontiff as a spiritual leader who embodied humility, compassion, and justice
throughout his life.
“We join the Catholic Church and the global Christian community in mourning the passing of Pope Francis,” said Ruto
“This is a big
loss to the Catholic faithful and the Christian world.”
The President hailed Pope Francis for his unwavering
commitment to inclusivity and his advocacy for the poor and vulnerable,
describing him as a beacon of servant leadership.
“He exemplified servant leadership through his humility, his
unwavering commitment to inclusivity and justice, and his deep compassion for
the poor and the vulnerable,” Ruto added.
He further noted that the Pope’s moral and ethical
convictions inspired millions across all walks of life, transcending religious
and cultural boundaries.
“His strong ethical and moral convictions inspired millions across the world, regardless of faith or background. May his soul Rest in Eternal Peace,” the President concluded.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki described Pope Francis as an inspiration to many through his acts of service to others.
He said his death is a great loss to the Catholic church and hoped that his legacy would live on.
"The death of Pope Francis is a monumental loss to Catholic faithful around the world. He inspired millions of people and lived a simple life of grace and service to others. May his legacy live on, may his soul find rest," the DP said.
Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetang’ula, also joined millions of Catholics across the globe in mourning the death of Pope Francis.
The Speaker described the Pope as “a spiritual beacon of humility, love, and justice.”
Wetang’ula, a devout Catholic, expressed profound sorrow at the passing of the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church and Sovereign of the Vatican City State.
“It is with deep sorrow and a profound sense of loss that I have received the news of the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis,” said Wetang’ula. “He was a spiritual shepherd who dedicated his life to the service of God and humanity.”
Wetang’ula described Pope Francis as a tireless advocate for the poor and the marginalised, whose legacy will forever be etched in the hearts of the faithful.
“His Holiness embodied the very essence of Christ’s teachings, urging us to embrace love, mercy, and forgiveness. He championed the cause of the marginalised, tirelessly advocating for the dignity of every human being,” he said.
Quoting the Scripture, Wetang’ula offered a message of hope and spiritual reflection to the global Catholic community:
“As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate his extraordinary life and the legacy of faith, love, and humility that he leaves behind. We take solace in the words of our Lord Jesus Christ: ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die’ (John 11:25).”
"A light to the world has dimmed. Today, we mourn the passing of Pope Francis, a shepherd of hope, peace, and unwavering faith.
His legacy of compassion and unity will endure across generations. May he rest in eternal peace."
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, served as the
266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church and was widely known for his
progressive reforms and focus on social justice.
His death marks the end of a transformative papacy that
resonated deeply not only within the Church but among global communities,
including millions of Catholics in Kenya.
