Ten thousands of people from Kenya and beyond braced the heavy rains of Thursday morning to attend Pope Francis' first open-air Mass on the continent of Africa at the Nairobi University Grounds.
Heavy rains started showering on Wednesday evening in the City of Nairobi after the arrival of the Holy Father on which people hailed it as "God's blessing."
Many of the worshipers, who arrived from outside of the City of Nairobi, spent the night outside in torrential down pour in order to take part in the Mass this morning. People started arriving at the venue of the Papal Mass as early as 3.00 AM despite of the heavy rains which were showering until morning.
The Holy Mass at the University of Nairobi grounds, which was televised by many local and international channels, and shown live on giant television screens in neighboring Uhuru Park grounds, near the University of Nairobi grounds, help an many as an estimated one million people to attend this event.
President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy, Mr. William Ruto, were among the top leaders who
attended the ceremony. Leaders present looked to be very keen following Pope’s homily which was given in Italian language and translated in English.
Pope Francis stressed on the importance of working together to shape a society which is ever more just, inclusive and respectful of human dignity; promoting family values and human dignity. “May you always be concerned for the needs of the poor, and reject everything that leads to prejudice and discrimination, for these things, we know, are not of God,” he said.
Concluding his homily, the Holy Father quoted the KCCB theme of his visit by urging Kenyans: “Stand strong in Faith! Do not be afraid!” For you belong to the Lord.
The Roman Pontiff finished his Homily in Swahili words:
By AMECEA Online News Reporter
