By Alexander Okori and Edward Eninu
The election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now known as Pope Leo XIV, has enlisted a sequence of rejoinders across the world, including in Kenya and Tanzania, with many recalling events of his recent visits.
Moments after his election on Thursday, May 8th, 2025, several Kenyans took to social media platforms to share clips and photos of the new Cardinal Prevost’s December 2024 visit to Kenya.
The Prelate made history by becoming the first Pope from the United States after winning the two-thirds majority vote of the 133 cardinals who participated in the election.
Tens of thousands gathered at St. Peter’s Square to celebrate the successful election of a leader of 1.4 billion Catholic faithful across the globe.
The 69-year-old Pontiff appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, smiling, waving with both hands and bowing to the faithful beneath the balcony.
His first Italian words “la pace sia con te” literally meaning “peace be with you” evoked emotions and thunderous applause from the faithful who waited at St. Peter’s Square for the good news.
“Dearest brothers and sister, this is the first greeting of the Risen Christ, the good shepherd who gave his life to God’s flock. I too would like this greeting of peace to enter your heart, to reach your families, to all people, wherever they are, to all peoples, to the whole earth. Peace be with you,” the new pontiff said as Christians chanted his new name “Leone,” and acknowledging him as the first US- born Pope.
Similar reactions were seen across the world especially in Kenya, where some Christians recalled his visit to the country in December 2024 while still serving as a cardinal.
During his visit to the country, as a cardinal then, Pope Leo X1V presided over the dedication of the new chapel of Our Mother of Good Counsel at the International House of St. Augustine Convent in Karen, Nairobi County, on December 10, 2024.
The dedication of the chapel marked the culmination of 20 years of prayer and planning by the Augustinian Friars in Kenya.
A video shared by Augustinian iWorld on YouTube shows the moment Pope Leo XIV cutting the ribbon, officially opening the chapel and dedicating it as a sanctuary of prayer and charity.
During the ceremony, the pontiff anointed the altar and chapel walls with oil, blessed those who brought offerings, and emphasized the spiritual significance of the moment.
In his remarks, Pope Leo XIV underscored the importance of the word of God and the need for the faithful to dwell in His presence.
“Christ is the door through which we all pass to find salvation, the door of the church is open so that all may find a place, all will be welcome and form a part of this great community. We must learn to open the doors to our hearts in charity,” he said.
The pontiff expressed joy at being invited to the ceremony, revealing that he had visited Kenya several times before-his last visit being in 2011
Further, he assured the members that he would inform the late Pope Francis about the event upon his return to the Vatican, where he held weekly meetings with him.
During this time, Prevost was serving as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.
In a statement shared on X on Thursday, the National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, while describing Kenya as “a blessed nation,” remarked that the pontiff’s visit was unique as it “occurred outside the Lenten season, which typically begins in February or March.”
“The visit did not coincide with Lent,” Wetang’ula noted.
In an official statement, President Ruto hailed the Pope’s ascension as a moment of profound spiritual significance-not just for Catholics but for humanity as a whole.
“Congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on your election as the 267th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church,” President Ruto said.
“May your papacy be a shining light of love, hope, and compassion; may it uplift the poor, give voice to the voiceless, heal divisions, and steadfastly champion peace, justice, and the sanctity of human dignity around the world. May your leadership inspire faith, unity, and moral renewal today and for generations to come.”
Notably, during his December 2024 visit, the former Cardinal also recalled that he had also been to Kenya in 2011. “It is a blessing to be back,” he said then.
“This is the day of rejoicing. We dedicate this church, this new chapel, by offering within it the sacrifice of Christ to receive His Word with faith,” the pontiff said during the chapel’s dedication event.
“I am happy to be back after many years. The last time I was in Kenya, I think it was around 2011, and it is a blessing to be back, and I thank the Augustinians here in Kenya for inviting me,” he added.
Pope Leo XIV was elected on Thursday evening becoming the first US-born pontiff.
The 69-year-old who hails from Chicago was chosen as the 267th Pope, replacing Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025 at the age of 89 years
After his appointment, the pope appeared on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica and addressed thousands of cheering crowds with the words, ‘Peace be with you.’
Millions of Catholics across the world expect him to continue with Pope Francis’ legacy of championing the rights of the marginalised in society, as well as focus on the poor.
