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Cardinal & Archbishop Emeritus of Nairobi
John Njue (born 1 January 1946 in Embu, Kenya) is a Kenyan cardinal of the Catholic Church. He studied philosophy and pastoral theology in Rome. Ordained a priest in St Peter’s Basilica by Pope Paul VI on 6 January 1973, he later served as rector and parish priest. He was appointed Bishop of Embu in 1986, Coadjutor Archbishop of Nyeri in 2002, and installed as Archbishop of Nairobi on 1 November 2007; he was created a cardinal later that month. He served as President of the Kenyan Episcopal Conference (1997–2003) and as a member of several Vatican congregations. Pope Francis accepted his resignation as Archbishop of Nairobi in 2021.
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John Njue (born 1 January 1946 in Embu, Kenya) is a Kenyan cardinal of the Catholic Church. He studied philosophy and pastoral theology in Rome. Ordained a priest in St Peter’s Basilica by Pope Paul VI on 6 January 1973, he later served as rector and parish priest. He was appointed Bishop of Embu in 1986, Coadjutor Archbishop of Nyeri in 2002, and installed as Archbishop of Nairobi on 1 November 2007; he was created a cardinal later that month. He served as President of the Kenyan Episcopal Conference (1997–2003) and as a member of several Vatican congregations. Pope Francis accepted his resignation as Archbishop of Nairobi in 2021.
Highlights that showcase impact and influence.
Ordained to the priesthood by Pope Paul VI in 1973; former rector of the National Seminary of Bungoma
Appointed Bishop of Embu in 1986; President of the Kenyan Episcopal Conference, 1997–2003
Coadjutor Archbishop of Nyeri (2002); Archbishop of Nairobi (2007)
Created cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in November 2007; member of key Vatican congregations
Cardinal elector in the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis
A timeline of pivotal roles and responsibilities.
1967–1974: Studies in Rome; ordained priest in 1973
1978–1982: Rector, National Seminary of Bungoma
1986: Appointed Bishop of Embu
1997–2003: President, Kenyan Episcopal Conference
2002: Coadjutor Archbishop of Nyeri; 2007: Archbishop of Nairobi; created cardinal
2008–: Member, Congregations for Evangelization of Peoples and for the Clergy; Pontifical Council for Social Communications
2013: Participated in papal conclave; 2021: Resigned as Archbishop of Nairobi
Key events that have shaped public perception.
Criticised in 2013 for opposing calls for gay rights during a U.S. presidential visit, stating Africa should reject the idea
Led bishops in 2014 in campaigning against a WHO-sponsored tetanus vaccination programme, alleging it was a disguised form of birth control
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John Njue (born 1 January 1946 in Embu, Kenya) is a Kenyan cardinal of the Catholic Church. He studied philosophy and pastoral theology in Rome. Ordained a priest in St Peter’s Basilica by Pope Paul VI on 6 January 1973, he later served as rector and parish priest. He was appointed Bishop of Embu in 1986, Coadjutor Archbishop of Nyeri in 2002, and installed as Archbishop of Nairobi on 1 November 2007; he was created a cardinal later that month. He served as President of the Kenyan Episcopal Conference (1997–2003) and as a member of several Vatican congregations. Pope Francis accepted his resignation as Archbishop of Nairobi in 2021.
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