Archbishop Philip Anyolo has clarified that His Eminence John Cardinal Njue will not participate in the upcoming papal conclave due to health-related reasons, despite being eligible and formally invited.

In a statement issued ahead of the May 7 conclave, Anyolo confirmed that the Vatican’s Apostolic Nunciature in Kenya had extended an official invitation to Cardinal Njue to join the College of Cardinals in electing the next Pope. However, the Archbishop of Nairobi’s office, in agreement with the Apostolic Nuncio, communicated to the Holy See that the cardinal would be unable to travel to Rome due to his current health condition.

"In response to various enquiries… I hereby confirm that although His Eminence is eligible to participate… owing to his current health condition, His Eminence John Cardinal Njue will be unable to travel to Rome and take part in the Conclave,” the statement read.

Archbishop Anyolo called on Catholics across Kenya and beyond to pray for Cardinal Njue’s recovery and for the College of Cardinals as they undertake the sacred task of choosing a new Pope.

“As the College of Cardinals prepares to enter into conclave tomorrow, I earnestly urge all the faithful to pray that the Holy Spirit may guide the Cardinals… Let us also continue to pray for the good health of His Eminence John Cardinal Njue,” he said.

The Vatican, through Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, previously noted that two cardinal electors would miss the conclave for health reasons, though their names were not disclosed at the time. Reports from the Catholic News Agency later revealed that the second cardinal is Antonio Cañizares of Spain.

Cardinal Njue, who served as the Archbishop of Nairobi until his retirement in 2021, remains a prominent figure in the Kenyan Catholic Church.