Nyeri Diocese Catholic Archbishop Anthony Muheria has eulogized the late Pope Francis as a humble servant leader.
In a video message shared on Monday evening from Italy, the archbishop described the late pontiff as a great shepherd and a father who fearlessly championed the life of the marginalized. Arch Muheria said that the Catholic Church had lost a great leader who, despite assuming office at an advanced age, left an impressive impact on the church by encouraging Christians to open up their hearts and the church to the poor.
“We have received the sad news of the passing on to our heavenly father’s house of Pope Francis, a beloved pope to many. The pope who in many ways exemplified simplicity, poverty and ordinariness. We as the people of God and the church are united in grief and are praying for his soul, knowing that he has been a special gift to us,” stated Arch Muheria.
The Vatican on Monday announced the passing on of Pope Francis after suffering a cerebral stroke that put him in a coma and led to irreversible heart failure.
The pontiff who is fondly remembered for his humility and his great concern for the poor, died at the age of 88 years after presiding over the Catholic Church as its head for 12 years.
He was last seen during the Easter Sunday mass at the St Peter’s Basilica where he blessed the Catholic faithful.
Pope Francis is best remembered for his unpopular stance such as his appeal to the church to open its doors to all people regardless of their sexual orientation. The shift would see the transgender community be allowed to participate in church activities. Despite this, he openly regarded gay unions as an attempt to destroy God’s plan for marriage.
He will also be remembered for upholding the church’s opposition to mercy killing (euthanasia), the death penalty and abortion. Pope Francis at one time likened abortion to hiring a hitman to solve a problem while at the same time terming euthanasia as evidence of throwaway culture.
The pontiff will also be recalled for creating a pathway for divorced and remarried Catholics to receive holy communion after vetting by their priests or bishops. Previously Catholics who remarried under civil laws without annulling their previous marriages were considered to be living in adultery and could not receive holy communion. In his 2016 formal letter to the catholic bishops, the pope issued guidelines to bishops and priests suggesting how they could work with the couples to determine their eligibility for receiving Holy Communion upon divorce.
In his video message, the Arch Muheria said that the Pope had left a special mark in the country during his 2015 visit and the onus was on Kenyans to honor his legacy by upholding the values he advocated for.
“May God continue resting his soul in peace and for us, we will still continue praying for those projects that he said were important to the church: to take care of the marginalized, listen to one another and above all, to love the poor by giving,” said the archbishop.
Other leaders who paid tribute to the Pope include Nyeri governor Dr Mutahi Kahiga who eulogized Pope Francis as a humble servant who led with dedication and commitment.
“Rest in eternal peace Pope Francis. I join the millions of Catholics in mourning this servant of God. We recalled his servant leadership and his strong moral stand. May he rest with angels,” said Dr Kahiga.
By Wangari Mwangi
