Church leaders term Pope Francis as a Shepherd for the world

Church leaders from various denominations across the country have united in grief in condoling following the passing of Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of the global Catholic Church. 

The clergy hailed his life of service, humility, and unwavering advocacy for peace, justice, and compassion.

His Eminence John Cardinal Njue, Emeritus Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Nairobi, mourned the Pope.

"Pope Francis was a shepherd to the global Church, a voice for the voiceless, and a tireless advocate for peace, mercy, and human dignity. His humility, compassion, and prophetic leadership touched countless lives across all nations and faiths,” said Cardinal Njue.

“May the light of the Resurrection, which he so faithfully preached, now shine upon him in fullness."

Archbishop Anthony Muheria of Nyeri called for a week of mourning, inviting Catholics to unite in prayer.

• .

  Keep Reading

• 
  Goodbye Pope: Pontiff hailed as moral icon and voice of the voiceless

"As good children of this common Father and shepherd, we come together to offer prayers for our dear Holy Father. I invite you all to offer Masses and pray rosaries for his soul for the next seven days," said Muheria.

He added, "He has reawakened in the Church a greater concern for the marginalized and expanded the heart of Mercy among Christians. We remember fondly his visit to Kenya in 2015 and his clarion call to fight corruption and care for the poor."

The Friends Church (Quakers), Kenya, Presiding Clerk Stephen Magwilu described the Pope as a global symbol of servant leadership.

"Pope Francis embodied the very essence of servant leadership. His legacy will endure through his tireless advocacy for the marginalized, his commitment to dialogue and unity, and his powerful witness to the value of mercy and love," said Magwilu.

Archbishop John Chabuga of the African Divine Church reflected on Pope Francis’s moral vision.

"As we mourn, let us reflect on this remarkable chapter in the life of the Church — one embodied by a Pope who lived the Christian virtues of humility, authenticity, openness, and hope,” he said.

“He called us to be present in the world, embracing the unpredictable — the very moments where God speaks most profoundly."

Daniel Kiama, Kenya East Territorial Commander of the Salvation Army, praised the Pope’s active engagement with the world.

"He showed that our beliefs are not walls that enclose us from the world; they are a foundation that gives us a strong footing as we step out,” said Coln. Kiama. 

“Whether in dialogue with world leaders or exchanging words with a child, Pope Francis lived with an open heart and showed us what it means to take our faith into the world."

He further said his firm stand on the church led to many reforms during his tenure.

"He challenged us not to look away from the marginalized. Living as a Christian means embracing the poor, the suffering, and those on the peripheries of society," he stated.

Kenneth Adiara, General Superintendent of the Pentecostal Assemblies of God, acknowledged the Pope’s push for unity and modernization.

"Pope Francis stood out as a voice of reason and compassion in an increasingly troubled world. Through his conversational, open leadership style, he pursued a path of modernization within the Church, always guided by mercy and inclusion," said Adiara.