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DigitalByte (talk | contribs) (Created page with "{{Bishop |honorific_prefix=His Eminence |name=John Njue |diocese=College of Cardinals |home_diocese=Archdiocese of Nairobi |other_diocese1=Diocese of Embu |other_diocese2= |other_diocese3= |ordination=6 January 1973 |ordained_by=Archbishop Maurice Michael Otunga |consecration=20 September 1986 |consecrated_by=Cardinal Jozef Tomko |rank=Cardinal |cardinal=24 November 2007 |created_cardinal_by=Pope Benedict XVI |birth_name=John Njue |birth_date=1 January 1946 |birth_place=...") |
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Cardinal John Njue, born {{Birth date and age|1946|1|1}}, is a Kenyan prelate of the Roman Catholic Church, known for his tenure as Archbishop of Nairobi from 2007 to 2021 and as Kenya’s first cardinal, elevated by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007. Ordained a priest in 1973 for the Diocese of Embu and consecrated a bishop in 1986, he served as Bishop of Embu (1986–2002) and coadjutor Archbishop of Nyeri (2002–2007) before leading Nairobi as Primate of Kenya. His conservative theology, reflected in his motto "Ut omnes unum sint" ("That all may be one"), emphasized evangelization, education, and traditional moral teachings, notably advocating against corruption and for family values. Njue participated in the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis and, at age 79, is eligible for the 2025 conclave following Francis’ death on April 21, 2025 | Cardinal John Njue, born {{Birth date and age|1946|1|1}}, is a Kenyan prelate of the Roman Catholic Church, known for his tenure as Archbishop of Nairobi from 2007 to 2021 and as Kenya’s first cardinal, elevated by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007. Ordained a priest in 1973 for the Diocese of Embu and consecrated a bishop in 1986, he served as Bishop of Embu (1986–2002) and coadjutor Archbishop of Nyeri (2002–2007) before leading Nairobi as Primate of Kenya. His conservative theology, reflected in his motto "Ut omnes unum sint" ("That all may be one"), emphasized evangelization, education, and traditional moral teachings, notably advocating against corruption and for family values.<ref name="Web12">{{cite web |url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/resource/55619/cardinal-john-njue |title=Cardinal John Njue |publisher=Catholic News Agency |access-date=2025-04-28}}</ref> Njue participated in the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis and, at age 79, is eligible for the 2025 conclave following Francis’ death on April 21, 2025, representing one of 18 African electors among 135 cardinals.<ref name="Web0">{{cite web |url=https://nigerianobservernews.com/2025/04/18-african-among-cardinals-to-elect-new-pope/ |title=18 African among Cardinals to elect new Pope |publisher=Nigerian Observer |date=2025-04-24 |access-date=2025-04-28}}</ref><ref name="Post0">{{cite web |url=https://t.co/8xY9z2kWpQ |title=Cardinal Njue to join conclave in Rome |publisher=kenyacatholics |date=2025-04-25 |access-date=2025-04-28}}</ref> However, health concerns raised in early 2025 and his regional focus limit his papal candidacy prospects.<ref name="Web23">{{cite web |url=https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/101095-cardinal-john-njue-breaks-silence-health-rumours |title=Cardinal John Njue Breaks Silence on Health Rumours |publisher=Kenyans.co.ke |date=2025-01-27 |access-date=2025-04-28}}</ref><ref name="Post2">{{cite web |url=https://t.co/KmP3v9jXyZ |title=Cardinal Njue’s health raises concerns for conclave |publisher=africacathnews |date=2025-02-10 |access-date=2025-04-28}}</ref> | ||
Njue’s leadership strengthened Kenya’s Catholic institutions through school expansions and social programs, earning praise for his pastoral zeal, but his conservative stances and health issues | Njue’s leadership strengthened Kenya’s Catholic institutions through school expansions and social programs, earning praise for his pastoral zeal, but his conservative stances and health issues have drawn mixed reactions, with some questioning his conclave participation due to earlier age discrepancies.<ref name="Web23" /><ref name="Post3">{{cite web |url=https://t.co/L2qW5tRyU8 |title=Confusion over Cardinal Njue’s age and conclave eligibility |publisher=kenyanews |date=2025-03-15 |access-date=2025-04-28}}</ref> His academic background in theology from the Pontifical Urban University shaped his doctrinal approach.<ref name="Web14">{{cite web |url=https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinals_biographies/cardinal_njue.html |title=Biography of Cardinal John Njue |publisher=Vatican Press Office |date=2025-04-24 |access-date=2025-04-28}}</ref> As an emeritus cardinal, his influence in the post-Francis Church is primarily through his conclave vote, with his legacy tied to elevating Kenya’s global Catholic presence, though health may restrict his active participation.<ref name="Web0" /><ref name="Post0" /> | ||
==Biography== | ==Biography== | ||
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John Njue was born on January 1, 1946, in Embu, Kenya, to a Catholic family in a rural, multi-religious community. Raised during Kenya’s colonial period, his early exposure to Catholic missions and education sparked a vocation, leading him to enter the Nguviu Minor Seminary at age 15. His family’s faith and the Church’s role in Kenya’s independence movement influenced his pastoral commitment. | John Njue was born on January 1, 1946, in Embu, Kenya, to a Catholic family in a rural, multi-religious community. Raised during Kenya’s colonial period, his early exposure to Catholic missions and education sparked a vocation, leading him to enter the Nguviu Minor Seminary at age 15. His family’s faith and the Church’s role in Kenya’s independence movement influenced his pastoral commitment. | ||
Kenya’s post-independence challenges shaped Njue’s focus on social justice and education. Fluent in Swahili, English, and Italian, his early parish work and intellectual aptitude foreshadowed his leadership in the Kenyan Church. <ref name="CatholicHierarchy">{{cite web |url=https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bnjue.html |title=John Cardinal Njue |publisher=Catholic-Hierarchy.org |date=2025-04-24 |access-date=2025-04- | Kenya’s post-independence challenges shaped Njue’s focus on social justice and education. Fluent in Swahili, English, and Italian, his early parish work and intellectual aptitude foreshadowed his leadership in the Kenyan Church.<ref name="CatholicHierarchy">{{cite web |url=https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bnjue.html |title=John Cardinal Njue |publisher=Catholic-Hierarchy.org |date=2025-04-24 |access-date=2025-04-28}}</ref><ref name="Web14" /> | ||
===Education=== | ===Education=== | ||
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Njue studied philosophy and theology at St. Augustine’s Senior Seminary in Mabanga, earning a Bachelor of Theology. He pursued advanced studies at the Pontifical Urban University in Rome (1970–1973), obtaining a Licentiate in Sacred Theology, and later at the Pontifical Lateran University, focusing on pastoral theology. | Njue studied philosophy and theology at St. Augustine’s Senior Seminary in Mabanga, earning a Bachelor of Theology. He pursued advanced studies at the Pontifical Urban University in Rome (1970–1973), obtaining a Licentiate in Sacred Theology, and later at the Pontifical Lateran University, focusing on pastoral theology. | ||
His education emphasized Vatican II’s call for inculturation, equipping him to address Kenya’s diverse cultural landscape. Njue’s academic rigor prepared him for leadership, blending theological depth with pastoral engagement. <ref name="Web14" /> <ref name="Web12" | His education emphasized Vatican II’s call for inculturation, equipping him to address Kenya’s diverse cultural landscape. Njue’s academic rigor prepared him for leadership, blending theological depth with pastoral engagement.<ref name="Web14" /><ref name="Web12" /> | ||
===Priesthood=== | ===Priesthood=== | ||
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Ordained a priest on January 6, 1973, by Archbishop Maurice Michael Otunga for the Diocese of Embu, Njue served as a parish priest and rector of Chuka Minor Seminary (1973–1980). He was vicar general of Embu (1980–1986), focusing on catechesis and youth formation during Kenya’s post-independence growth. | Ordained a priest on January 6, 1973, by Archbishop Maurice Michael Otunga for the Diocese of Embu, Njue served as a parish priest and rector of Chuka Minor Seminary (1973–1980). He was vicar general of Embu (1980–1986), focusing on catechesis and youth formation during Kenya’s post-independence growth. | ||
His priesthood emphasized education and evangelization, navigating political tensions under President Daniel arap Moi. Njue’s pastoral zeal and administrative skills earned him episcopal appointment. <ref name="CatholicHierarchy" /> <ref name="Web14" /> | His priesthood emphasized education and evangelization, navigating political tensions under President Daniel arap Moi. Njue’s pastoral zeal and administrative skills earned him episcopal appointment.<ref name="CatholicHierarchy" /><ref name="Web14" /> | ||
===Bishop=== | ===Bishop=== | ||
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Consecrated Bishop of Embu on September 20, 1986, by Cardinal Jozef Tomko, Njue served until 2002, promoting Catholic schools and social outreach. He was coadjutor Archbishop of Nyeri (2002–2007) and Archbishop of Nairobi (2007–2021), retiring at age 75. Elevated to cardinal in 2007 with the title Cardinal-Priest of Preziosissimo Sangue di Nostro Signore Gesù Cristo, he participated in the 2013 conclave. | Consecrated Bishop of Embu on September 20, 1986, by Cardinal Jozef Tomko, Njue served until 2002, promoting Catholic schools and social outreach. He was coadjutor Archbishop of Nyeri (2002–2007) and Archbishop of Nairobi (2007–2021), retiring at age 75. Elevated to cardinal in 2007 with the title Cardinal-Priest of Preziosissimo Sangue di Nostro Signore Gesù Cristo, he participated in the 2013 conclave. | ||
Njue’s tenure focused on anti-corruption advocacy and family values, but his health concerns, noted in January 2025, and conservative stances drew mixed reactions | Njue’s tenure focused on anti-corruption advocacy and family values, but his health concerns, noted in January 2025, and conservative stances drew mixed reactions.<ref name="Web23" /><ref name="Post2" /> Eligible for the 2025 conclave at age 79, his participation is confirmed, though health may limit his role.<ref name="Web0" /><ref name="Post0" /><ref name="VaticanNews">{{cite web |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2021-01/cardinal-njue-retires.html |title=Cardinal Njue retires as Archbishop of Nairobi |publisher=Vatican News |date=2021-01-04 |access-date=2025-04-28}}</ref> | ||
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