Pope Leo XIV was not entirely unknown to Kenyan men and women of faith before the conclave that elected him Pontiff.
As an Augustinian, he visited Kenya on one of his last international trips before becoming Pontiff. Robert Francis Prevost traveled to Nairobi before also visiting Tanzania and Uganda on December 10. Many people on social media have recalled his visit to Karen, where he presided over the consecration of the new chapel of Our Lady of Good Counsel at the International House of St. Augustine's Convent in Karen, Nairobi County.

“I am happy to be back after so many years. The last time I was in Kenya, I think it was around 2011, and it is a blessing to be back, and I thank the Augustinians here in Kenya for inviting me,” said the new Pope on that occasion. The event attracted priests, faithful, and visitors from Kenya as well as Church figures from other African countries, symbolizing unity among the churches and already hinting at the future work of Leo XIV to unify the Church through the word of the Synod. The consecration of the chapel marked the culmination of twenty years of prayer and preparation by the Augustinian friars in Kenya. A video shared by Augustinian iWorld on YouTube shows the moment when Pope Leo XIV cut the ribbon, officially inaugurating the chapel and consecrating it as a place of prayer and charity.

“Christ is the door through which we all pass to find salvation, the door of the church is open so that everyone can find a place, everyone is welcomed and is part of this great community. We must learn to open the doors of our hearts to charity,” Prevost said on that occasion during his homily. ”I hope that all of you are deeply aware of how much hope you give to the Church and to the Order, and that the spirit of the Lord continues to fill you with fidelity to continue on this great journey that we have all undertaken.” The then cardinal took his leave of the Kenyans, promising that he would tell Pope Bergoglio about his visit and that he would return soon. Now the Christians of Nairobi and the surrounding area await him in his new role, with renewed hope of seeing a Church ever closer to the poor, to their voice and to their needs.
(Photo: Facebook)