Kenya prepares to welcome Pope Francis

November 24, 2015

On November 25, Pope Francis will begin a six-day apostolic journey to Kenya, Uganda, and the Central African Republic.

Kenya’s government has declared November 26 a national day of prayer and reflection and a public holiday.

A poll found that “Kenyans want the Pope to address the question of peaceful co-existence, good governance, tribalism and human rights,” the nation’s largest newspaper reported. “They also want him to raise the issue of corruption when he meets political leaders.”

The East African nation of 45.0 million is 54% Protestant, 29% Catholic, and 11% Muslim. Pope Francis’s visit will be the first papal visit in two decades: St. John Paul II visited the nation in 1980, 1985, and 1995.

 

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Further information:

• Kenyans all set to welcome the Pope when he jets in tomorrow (Daily Nation)
• Catholic faithful put final touches ahead of visit (Standard)
• Kenya declares Thursday public holiday, day of prayers (The Star)
• #PopeInKenya (Twitter)
• Apostolic Journey of the Holy Father to Kenya, Uganda and the Central African Republic, 25-30 November 2015 (Holy See)
• A look ahead to Pope Francis’ visit to Africa (USCCB Department for Justice, Peace & Human Development)