NAIROBI: In just a few days Kenya will host yet another key dignitary, the Roman Catholic Church pontiff – Pope Francis. The significance of Pope Francis’ visit lies, not just by the fact that the Catholics form the single largest Christian community in Kenya, but more so that this particular Pope is emerging as a most influential leader in the world. In the short time he has held office, Pope Francis has distinguished himself as a focused and courageous leader in the world arena. He has not been afraid to express his views and convictions on various matters of concern, sometimes controversially. His stand on spiritual, social, and political matters has thus earned him friends and foes alike.
On the spiritual front, Pope Francis has been refreshingly different in his approach to matters of faith and practice. Having read some of his writings, I can confess that though, like they said of the Apostle Paul, “his bodily presence is weak, his letters are weighty and powerful.”