The real reason for Kenyan Cardinal John Njue's absence from the conclave

The absence of Kenyan Cardinal John Njue from the conclave that begins today to elect Pope Francis's successor has sparked controversy. The emeritus archbishop of Nairobi stated that he was not invited to participate. Meanwhile, the Holy See and the Archdiocese of Nairobi claim that his absence is due to health issues.

This exchange of statements has caused confusion just hours before 133 cardinals enter the Sistine Chapel.

Njue, 79 years old, is the only living cardinal from Kenya with voting rights. In an interview with the Daily Nation newspaper, he asserted:

I have not received any official invitation. It is not for health reasons.

His words were surprising, as the Vatican had previously announced that Njue would not travel to Rome due to his physical condition. The Archdiocese of Nairobi, led by Archbishop Philip Anyolo, issued a statement contradicting the cardinal. According to Anyolo, Njue is in poor health and is not in a condition to participate.

The case is complicated by a recent episode. In 2024, the Annuario Pontificio changed Njue's birth date from 1944 to 1946. This "rejuvenated" him and allowed him to keep his eligibility to vote, as the age limit is 80 years.

However, some media speculate that this correction, made in a context of imprecise records in colonial Kenya, may have influenced the controversy. The diocese has denied rumors about Njue's death up to three times, the last one a week ago, stating that "he is alive and well."

The absence of Njue, along with Spanish Cardinal Antonio Cañizares, also due to health, reduces the number of electors to 133. This means that 89 votes will be needed to elect the new Pope.

The conclave, which starts this afternoon, will be the most diverse in history, with representatives from 70 countries. The first smoke signal is expected today, and the world awaits the white smoke that will announce the new pontiff.

Meanwhile, Njue's statements have caused debate. Some see it as an attempt to point out irregularities, while others believe it reflects internal tensions in the Church. For now, the Vatican has not offered more details, and the mystery surrounding the exclusion of the Kenyan cardinal remains unsolved.