Why Cardinal Njue Won't Elect Next Pope Despite Being Eligible
The Archbishop also called for continued prayers for Cardinal Njue’s health.
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
The Archdiocese of Nairobi has announced that Archbishop Emeritus John Cardinal Njue will not participate in the upcoming papal conclave due to health concerns.
Although Cardinal Njue received an official invitation from the Apostolic Nunciature in Kenya and remains eligible to vote, the Apostolic Nuncio, after consulting with the Archbishop’s office, informed the Vatican that the 80-year-old Cardinal is unable to travel to Rome for the proceedings set to begin on May 7, 2025.
In a statement signed by Archbishop Philip A. Anyolo, the faithful were encouraged to pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance as the College of Cardinals prepares to elect the next Pope. The Archbishop also called for continued prayers for Cardinal Njue’s health.
Archbishop Philip Anyolo of Nairobi Archdiocese flanked by John Cardinal Njue (left) during the memorial Holy Mass of the Servant of God, Maurice Michael Cardinal Otunga celebrated at the Resurrection garden, Karen, Nairobi on September 6, 2022. /CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF NAIROBI
“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,” the statement reads in part.
Cardinal Njue, a key figure in African Catholic leadership, served as Nairobi’s Archbishop from 2007 to 2021 and was elevated to Cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007.
Cardinal Njue has been dealing with health issues for a while, which have restricted his public engagements and involvement in events. In January, the 79-year-old candidly shared a health update, admitting he no longer has the strength he once did.
Nevertheless, he reaffirmed his dedication to caring for his community, stressing that his sense of duty to serve remains unwavering despite the challenges.
“As you can see, I am not very strong, but I committed to coming and celebrating this mass with you. There is a lot of work to be done in God’s vineyard, and you are the ones to do it. It is your time,” Njue said during mass at St.Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church-Tena.
He took part in the XIV Ordinary General Assembly on The Vocation and Mission of the Family in the Church and Contemporary World in October 2015, as well as the March 2013 conclave that elected the late Pope Francis.
Currently, the Catholic Church has 135 cardinal electors who are expected to convene in the Vatican to choose the next pope.
Alongside Cardinal Njue, Spain’s Cardinal Antonio Cañizares from the Archdiocese of Valencia has also announced he will not be attending this year’s conclave due to health issues, bringing the number of eligible electors down to 133.
Read more: No Phones, No Internet: How The Next Pope Is Elected
