Speaker Wetangula To Represent Ruto At Pope Francis’ Burial
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula will represent Kenya at Pope Francis’ burial on Saturday, April 26, at St Peter’s Square in the Vatican.
Wetang’ula announced that President William Ruto has picked him to represent Kenya at the solemn event.
He was speaking as he led a delegation of National Assembly members to pay condolences at the Apostolic Nunciature in Nairobi.
Wetang’ula is leaving the country this evening to attend the late Pope Francis’ funeral, where he will be joined by a number of other famous world leaders.
The Pope Francis Transition:
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) April 24, 2025
Raila and Wetangula pay last respects to late Pope
Leaders sign condolence book at Vatican Embassy, Nairobi
Wetangula: We in Africa felt pope was even closer to us
Raila: Pope exemplified the spirit of hope and reconciliation
Wetangula to… pic.twitter.com/LU6IJ3JqxU
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Javier Milei of Argentina, where the Pope was born, and Dutch King Willem-Alexander are also expected to attend the event that will commence at 11:00am.
The funeral on Saturday will bring Francis’s nearly week-long grieving to an end.
Pope Francis’ support for migrants, the poor, the marginalized, and those suffering from war frequently puts him at odds with some of the prominent figures who will pay their respects inside St Peter’s Basilica.
Following his death, the Vatican issued the Pope’s spiritual testament, dated June 29, 2022, which indicated that he would be buried in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major.
The Pope passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, aged 88, after a prolonged illness during which he battled double pneumonia for over one month.
This morning, joined by several Members of the National Assembly, we visited the Apostolic Nunciature in Nairobi to pay tribute following the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis.
— Rt.Hon.Dr.Moses Wetang'ula (@HonWetangula) April 24, 2025
In honouring his remarkable life, I recognized the Pope’s unwavering commitment to humanity, his… pic.twitter.com/vzmXD4Nz07
In his testament, Pope Francis requested that his tomb should be in the ground, simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus.
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The customary burial process for a pope is elaborate, with three coffins. It entails a highly symbolic and traditional rite.
When the Pope’s death is confirmed, the Vatican notifies the College of Cardinals and Catholic leaders, who then observe a nine-day period of mourning known as “Novemdiales,” during which daily Masses will be held in his memory.
The late pope’s remains will be cleansed and adorned in crimson and white papal attire before being displayed in a respectful manner for public sight.
Since his death, hundreds of faithful have attended daily masses and observed his remains.
Speaker Wetangula To Represent Ruto At Pope Francis’ Burial
