State visit by Pope Francis to Kenya

Pope Francis visited Kenya from 25 to 27 November 2015.[1] It was his first state and pastoral visit to the country and the continent of Africa at large.[2] Francis is the second pontiff to visit Kenya after John Paul II who visited Kenya 3 times.[3] In his visit, he met the president of the Republic of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, held meetings with various members of the clergy, held an open mass at the University of Nairobi and visited a poor slum neighbourhood of Kangemi.[1] As a result of his visit, most of the roads in Nairobi were closed on Thursday and parts of Friday

Pope Francis at St. Joseph, Kangemi on 27 November

Schedule

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The Pope's 3 day schedule as published on the Vatican website at w2.vatican.va

Wednesday, 25 November 2015

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The Pope arrived at JKIA at 1335 GMT.[4]

Time Activity Where
1700 Arrival and Welcoming ceremony at the State House State House Nairobi
1800 Courtesy visit to the President of the Republic State House Nairobi
1830 Meeting with the Public Authorities of Kenya and the Diplomatic Corps

Thursday, 26 November 2015

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Thursday was declared a public holiday by the President Uhuru Kenyatta[5]

Time Activity Where
0815 Interreligious and ecumenical meeting Hall of the Apostolic Nunciature in Nairobi
1000 Holy Mass University of Nairobi Main Campus Grounds
1545 Meeting with the Clergy, Men and Women Religious and Seminarians St Mary’s School
1730 Visit to the U.N.O.N. (United Nations Office at Nairobi) UNON Complex, Gigiri

Friday, 27 November 2015

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Time Activity Where
0830 Visit to Kangemi Kangemi Slum. There was a miracle of healing in Kenya, reported in The Catholic Mirror. Rosemary Nundu, who was on crutches for years, presented the Pope with the Rosary of the Unborn, fell to the ground and woke up healed, she no longer needs crutches. More about the Rosary of the Unborn, the new sacramental for our world today, go to www.rosaryoftheunborn.eu
1000 Meeting with youth Kasarani Stadium
1115 Meeting with the Bishops of Kenya VIP Lounge at Kasarani Stadium
1510 Farewell ceremony JKIA
1530 Departure to Entebbe JKIA

Security

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A total of 10,000[6] police officers were deployed to secure the Pope's visit.

Closed roads

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In a televised press release, Inspector General of Police, Joseph Boinnet informed the public about road closures during the visit.[7]

References

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