The Archdiocese of Nairobi has confirmed that Cardinal John Njue has been formally invited to participate in the forthcoming papal conclave scheduled for May 7, 2025, following the recent death of Pope Francis.
However, due to his current health condition, Cardinal Njue will not be able to travel to Rome to join the 133 cardinals confirmed to elect the next pontiff.
This official position was communicated through a statement issued by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Nairobi, Philip A. Anyolo, who stated that the invitation had been extended through the Apostolic Nuncio in Kenya, in conjunction with the Office of the Archbishop.
The clarification comes amid earlier confusion regarding the cardinal’s participation.
The Daily Nation had reported on Tuesday that Cardinal Njue had not received an invitation, citing a phone interview in which he said, “Those who go for the election are usually sent official invites, and that has not happened on my part.”
This remark contradicted media reports that cited ill health as the reason for his absence.
The Archbishop’s letter, dated May 6, 2025, confirmed that while Cardinal Njue was indeed eligible and officially invited to participate in the conclave, his health condition had been communicated to the Holy See Press Office and he would therefore be unable to attend.
Cardinal Njue who served as Archbishop of Nairobi until his retirement, was among the electors in the 2013 conclave that resulted in the election of Pope Francis. His absence this time has sparked concern and speculation among the faithful.
The Archdiocese urged prayers both for the successful election of the new Pope and for the continued health of Cardinal Njue.” Let us also continue to pray for the good health of His Eminence John Cardinal Njue,” Archbishop Anyolo stated.
According to the Vatican News, 133 cardinals have confirmed their attendance at the conclave, which remains one of the most sacred traditions of the Roman Catholic Church.
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