The first Pontiff in modern history with firsthand knowledge of Africa, Pope Leo XIV had traveled to several African countries before he was elected Pope, especially in his role as OSA Prior General and as member of the Roman Curia since 2019.
Unlike his predecessors, Pope Leo XIV had already been to Eastern, Western, Southern, Northern, and Central Africa in person; he had been in Kenya at least six times and in neighboring Tanzania more than five times.
In 2009, he traveled to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where he presided over the inauguration of the Augustinian University in Kinshasa, and also engaged with families and communities in villages affected by war.
Expectation for a Papal visit to Africa has already been expressed. In July, the Apostolic Nuncio in Kenya said, “Pope Leo is a hard worker, and indeed, he has a special place in his heart for Kenya. As you may have read in the newspapers following his election as Pope, he is very close to the Augustinian community in Nairobi.”
Archbishop Hubertus van Megen, who was addressing journalists on July 10 following the establishment of the Catholic Diocese of Kapsabet revealed that he had met Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican in June and that he “invited him to also come to Kenya.”
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“With concerted effort involving the Church leadership and the government, the Holy Father may soon realize a maiden visit to the country as Pope,” the Dutch-born Vatican diplomat added.
On 70th birthday on Sunday, September 14, Pope Leo XIV presided at the recitation of the Angelus with pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square. He was visibly moved when musical groups in the square played “Happy Birthday,” a gesture that was reportedly greeted with applause, cheers, and the waving of signs bearing messages of gratitude and blessing.
“Dear friends, it seems that you know that today I turn seventy years old. I give thanks to the Lord and to my parents; and I thank all those who have remembered me in their prayers. Many thanks to everyone! Thank you! Have a good Sunday!” the Holy Father said.
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