Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was on Thursday, May 8, elected as the 267th pontiff, taking the name Pope Leo XIV, following the passing of Pope Francis.
Prevost made history by becoming the first pope from the United States after cardinals from across the globe chose him to lead the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.
Tens of thousands gathered at St. Peter’s Square erupted in cheers as His Holiness Pope Leo XIV appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, smiling, waving with both hands and bowing to the faithful below.
Following his election, many Kenyans took to social media to recall his visit to the country in December 2024 while still a cardinal. During the visit, he presided over the dedication of the Chapel of Our Mother of Good Counsel at St. Augustine Convent.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, while describing Kenya as “a blessed nation,” remarked in a Thursday statement that the pontiff’s visit was unique as it “occurred outside the Lenten season, which typically begins in February or March.”
“The visit did not coincide with Lent,” Wetang’ula noted.
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Pope Leo XIV in Kenya
The dedication of the chapel marked the culmination of 20 years of prayer and planning by the Augustinian Friars in Kenya. A video shared by Augustinian iWorld on YouTube shows the moment Pope Leo XIV cut the ribbon, officially opening the chapel and dedicating it as a sanctuary of prayer and charity.
The event drew clergy, faithful, and visitors from Kenya and beyond, symbolizing unity among churches.
During the ceremony, the pontiff anointed the altar and chapel walls with oil, blessed those who brought offerings, and emphasized the spiritual significance of the moment.
In his remarks, Pope Leo XIV underscored the importance of the word of God and the need for the faithful to dwell in His presence.
“Christ is the door through which we all pass to find salvation, the door of the church is open so that all may find a place, all will be welcome and form a part of this great community. We must learn to open the doors to our hearts in charity,” he said.
“I hope that all of you are deeply aware of how much hope you give to the church and to the order and that the spirit of the Lord will continue to fill you with faithfulness to continue in this great journey on which all of us have embarked.”
The pontiff expressed joy at being invited to the ceremony, revealing that he had visited Kenya several times before—his last visit being in 2011
Further, he assured the members that he would inform the late Pope Francis about the event upon his return to the Vatican, where he held weekly meetings with him.
Prevost noted, “Just a word to assure you of the Pope’s blessing and prayers for you in the ministry the service that I now have I meet with Pope Francis at least once a week and he always asks where have you been and what are you doing and I will be very happy to tell him on Saturday that I was here in Kenya in Nairobi and I will bring your greetings and your prayers for him back to Rome just as I assure you of his prayers and blessings for you.”
During this time, Prevost was serving as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.
President Ruto’s congratulatory message
President William Ruto was among global leaders who, on Thursday night, extended congratulations to Pope Leo XIV following his historic election as the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church.
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In an official statement, President Ruto hailed the Pope’s ascension as a moment of profound spiritual significance—not just for Catholics but for humanity as a whole.
“Congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on your election as the 267th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church,” President Ruto said.
“May your papacy be a shining light of love, hope, and compassion, may it uplift the poor, give voice to the voiceless, heal divisions, and steadfastly champion peace, justice, and the sanctity of human dignity around the world. May your leadership inspire faith, unity, and moral renewal today and for generations to come.”
The 69-year-old will on Friday morning return to the chapel to celebrate a private mass with cardinals that will be broadcast by the Vatican, delivering his much anticipated first homily as pope.
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