Christians, muslims asked to pray together for next Pope

A section of civil society groups in North Rift region have asked Christians in Kenya to pray for a new Catholic Pope who will champion human rights across the globe.

According to human right defenders, the late Pope Francis was a strong human rights defender who championed for peace and dignity of the poor.

The activists said they were hopeful that the conclave will elect a servant Pope, who will fit into the shoes of the departed Pope.

Led by Kipkorir Ng’etich, the executive director centre for human right and democracy, his counterpart executive director of the centre against torture Kimutai Kirui and the human rights defenders Nick Omitto said the late Pope Francis exemplified unity and hope during his reign.

“As a Muslim and human rights defender, I recognize that religion can either build bridges or deepen divides but I have learnt a lot following the death of Pope Francis, it really encouraged spiritually because of the unity among the Christians and Muslims community, that’s what we want to see happening even with our political leaders,” said Kirui.

• .

  Keep Reading

• 
  Cardinal Njue misses conclave due to health issues
• 
  Next pope faces 'difficult, complex' point in history, cardinals told
• 
  Gachagua ally dumps him for 'trying to control' Mt Kenya politics
• 
  Doves, deaths and rations: Papal elections over time

He added “The Catholic Church, often referred to as the mother church, remains a global institution of immense influence—commanding moral authority, economic weight, and social reach without a single soldier. Let us offer prayers to allow the people of God elect the best Shepherd,”

His sentiments was echoed by Ngetich who said that the Pope legacy in peacebuilding, healthcare, education, agriculture, and humanitarian work is vast and enduring not only to Catholics but to the whole world.

He said the late Pope who was a figure of quiet strength and profound humility, led not through confrontation, but through conviction adding that his message of hope, dignity, and social justice resonated across faiths and continents.

“In his death, the world was reminded of the power of moral leadership. If world leaders drew from his example of centering compassion over power, justice over ambition, we might edge closer to the peace humanity and even see the home of heaven,” said Ngetich

The director centre for human right and democracy further stated the Pope’s burial was not just a solemn ritual; it was a global call to lead better, serve deeper, and unite beyond creed.

Omitto on his side urged politicians to emulate the late Pope by embracing servant leadership if they expect to be respected and honored by the people they lead.

“I am not happy with a section of our political class for abandoning the people who put them in leadership, let’s now follow footsteps of the late Pope,” Omitto noted

Bishop Dominick Kimengich of Eldoret Diocese said a conclave in the religious set up, is a private assembly of the College of Cardinals in the Roman Catholic Church[OS1]  who have powers in choosing anew Pope.

He appealed to Kenyans to offer prayers to enable Cardinals elect God a serving servant who will bring the whole world together spiritually.