Archbishop Philip Anyolo has explained why Cardinal John Njue will not take part in the election of a new Pope at the Vatican.
In a statement clarifying reports around his participation, Archbishop Anyolo said that Cardinal Njue is eligible and was officially invited through the Apostolic Nunciature in Kenya.
He, however, cannot travel to Rome due to his health condition.
The Archbishop said that his office had communicated the same to the Holy See office.
“In response to various enquiries concerning whether His Eminence John Cardinal Njue, will be participating in the forthcoming conclave scheduled to commence on 7th May, 2025, I hereby confirm that although His Eminence is eligible to participate and was officially invited through the Apostolic Nunciature in Kenya, the Apostolic Nuncio, in concurrence with the Office of the Archbishop of Nairobi, duly communicated to the competent office of the Holy See that, owing to his current health condition, His Eminence John Cardinal Njue will be unable to travel to Rome and take part in the Conclave,” Anyolo said.
He further called for prayers upon the Cardinals as they prepare to enter into conclave on May 7, to elect the new leader of the Catholic Church.
The Nairobi archbishop also called on their faithful to continue praying for Cardinal Njue’s health.
“As the College of Cardinals prepares to enter into conclave tomorrow, I earnestly urge all the faithful to pray that the Holy Spirit may guide the Cardinals as they undertake the solemn duty of electing our next Holy Father, who will shepherd the Universal Church. Let us also continue to pray for the good health of His Eminence John Cardinal Njue.”
On April 29, 2025, Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office, in a press briefing, said that two cardinal electors would not participate in the conclave due to health reasons.
However, the Vatican did not reveal their names.
According to the Catholic News Agency (CNA), the other Cardinal is Antonio Cañizares of the Spanish Archdiocese.
