The death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday has sparked tributes from across the world, with many in Kenya recalling the pontiff’s landmark visit to the country in 2015 — a moment that brought together thousands in a powerful show of faith and unity.
Francis, who became the first Jesuit pope and the first from the Global South when elected in 2013, was widely admired for his humility, progressive stance on social issues, and deep concern for the poor and marginalised.
His 2015 trip to Kenya marked the beginning of a historic African tour — his inaugural visit to the continent since becoming head of the Catholic Church. He was 78 years old at the time.
The plane carrying Pope Francis touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on 25 November 2015, where he received a warm welcome from then-President Uhuru Kenyatta and other dignitaries.
His visit — the first since becoming the head of the Catholic Church — marked a significant moment for Kenya, drawing attention both locally and internationally. Thousands of people lined the streets and gathered in public spaces, eager to catch a glimpse of the pontiff.
One of the highlights of the visit was an open-air Mass held at the University of Nairobi grounds, which drew tens of thousands of worshippers despite persistent rain.
In his homily, Pope Francis emphasised the importance of caring for the poor, promoting family values, and protecting the environment. His message echoed key themes from his 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’, which focused on environmental and social justice.
Wearing a robe embroidered with patterns resembling traditional Maasai beadwork, Pope Francis said: “Our faith in God's word calls us to support families in their mission in society, to accept children as a blessing for our world, and to defend the dignity of each man and woman, for all of us are brothers and sisters in the one human family.”
During his time in Nairobi, the Pope also met with interfaith leaders in a show of solidarity and dialogue across religious lines.
In Kangemi, a low-income neighbourhood on the outskirts of the city, he addressed residents in a speech calling for dignity and inclusion for people living in informal settlements. He criticised what he termed “urban exclusion” and praised the resilience and strong sense of community among residents.
Pope Francis’s five-day African tour also included visits to Uganda and the Central African Republic, the latter of which was, at the time, experiencing conflict rooted in Christian-Muslim tensions.
The Vatican announced on Monday that Pope Francis had died at the age of 88 on Easter Monday. He had been receiving treatment at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he was admitted on 14 February.
While his condition was initially reported as stable, it later deteriorated following a respiratory attack. He had received blood transfusions and remained alert until his final hours.
On Sunday morning, the Vatican said the Pope had experienced a “peaceful night”, but by the next day, his health had rapidly declined. A statement issued earlier had described his condition as “critical”, with the prognosis considered uncertain.
His death marks the end of a papacy defined by compassion, simplicity, and a focus on global solidarity — values that resonated deeply with Kenyans during his brief but impactful visit.
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