Kenya’s only cardinal, John Njue, will not be participating in the upcoming papal election despite being eligible, due to health issues. The 79-year-old cleric was among 135 cardinals under age 80 expected to take part in the conclave to choose the next pope following the death of Pope Francis last month.
Initial confusion arose when Cardinal Njue told a local newspaper he had not been invited and didn’t know why, denying that his absence was health-related. However, the Archdiocese of Nairobi clarified in a statement that Njue had indeed been invited but was unable to attend because of his current medical condition. No further details were provided.
Archbishop Philip Anyolo, who signed the statement, urged prayers for the cardinal’s health. Njue, appointed cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007, retired as Archbishop of Nairobi in 2021. He is one of only two eligible cardinals who will not be present at the Vatican for the conclave.
To elect the new pope, at least 89 votes—a two-thirds majority—will be needed from the attending cardinals.
