National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula on Tuesday led MPs in paying tribute to the late Pope Francis following his death at the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta on Easter Monday.
Wetang’ula, a devout Catholic, invoked Standing Order 259(d)(1) to formally announce the Pope’s passing.
He described Pope Francis as a “moral compass of our time,” whose legacy of humility, justice, and service transcended borders and faiths.
“We join the global community in mourning a shepherd of extraordinary humility, compassion, and conviction,” said the Speaker.
“His Holiness Pope Francis lived the Gospel, often reminding us that the Church is like a field hospital healing wounds, warming hearts, and building bridges.”
Wetang’ula highlighted Pope Francis’ emphasis on environmental stewardship, interfaith dialogue, and social justice.
“He stood for the downtrodden, called for reconciliation in times of conflict, and tirelessly advocated for the care of our common home,” the Speaker noted.
Referencing the Pope’s far-reaching impact in Kenya, the Speaker lauded his contribution to strengthening interfaith relations and supporting numerous charitable missions across the country.
“His message of servant leadership resonated deeply with the Kenyan faithful. He was a beacon of spiritual wisdom and modern moral clarity,” Wetang’ula added.
The House observed a moment of silence in memory of the late Pontiff, who passed on Easter Monday, a deeply symbolic day in the Christian calendar, which the Speaker described as “a poignant embodiment of the resurrection message he so fervently preached.”
Wetang’ula also informed MPs that he would be visiting the Apostolic Nuncio’s residence to sign the official condolence book, and extended an invitation to Catholic MPs and other spiritual leaders to join him in the gesture of remembrance on Fast Day at 9:00 a.m.
“As the world mourns this colossal loss,” he concluded, “let us be reminded by his example of the enduring power of servant leadership and the call to build bridges, not walls. May the soul of Pope Francis rest in eternal peace.”
