Retired Kenyan Cardinal John Njue has confirmed he will not be participating in the upcoming papal conclave in Rome, following the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025.
Speaking to Daily Nation, Cardinal Njue clarified that he has not received an official invitation to take part in the election of the next pontiff. He emphasized that participation in the conclave is strictly by formal invitation from the Vatican.
“Those who take part in the election usually receive official letters. I have not been invited,” said the Cardinal in a phone interview.
Contrary to earlier reports suggesting health issues might have prevented his participation, Cardinal Njue stated, “It is not because of health… I really don’t know. It’s difficult to comment about it.”
The 79-year-old cleric, who retired in 2021 after serving as Archbishop of Nairobi, took part in the conclave of March 2013 that elected Pope Francis. Since then, he has continued to serve the Church in retirement.
According to Vatican News, 133 cardinals are expected to gather in the Sistine Chapel on May 7 for the conclave that will elect the 267th pope. While the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis sets the voting limit at 120 cardinals, it is not the first time the number has been exceeded.
Cardinal Jean Marc Aveline, among those expected to vote, recently led a Sunday Mass in Rome ahead of the historic event. Preparations are already underway in Vatican City, with clergy and pilgrims gathering in St. Peter’s Square.
Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday, was elected in 2013 after the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. The upcoming election follows Church law, which stipulates that a new pope must be elected within 15 to 20 days after the papal seat becomes vacant.
Fr. Dominic Mutuku of Tangaza University explained in a recent commentary that the conclave is a spiritual and confidential process guided by centuries-old traditions and canon law. A new pope is elected once a candidate secures a two-thirds majority vote.
Born in Embu in 1946, Cardinal Njue was ordained in 1973 and has served the Church in numerous leadership roles. He holds doctorates in philosophy and theology and has contributed to the growth of theological education in Kenya.
As the Catholic Church prepares for this significant moment, Kenyan faithful and observers worldwide will be watching closely as the process unfolds in Rome.
