BY ROBERT WANYONYI,TMG CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER.

“As the anticipation builds for the College of Cardinals to convene at the Vatican in the next two to three weeks to elect the new Pope, one striking detail emerges – the Kenyan vote will be notably absent.”

Cardinal John Njue, the second Kenyan to be elevated to cardinal, is unfortunately ineligible to vote due to his age of 81, surpassing the maximum age of 80 for voting in the conclave.The spotlight now shifts to Ghanaian Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, a Vatican official aged 76, who stands as a beacon of hope for an inaugural Pope since 698AC.

Turkson, known for his close advisory role to Pope Francis on crucial issues such as climate change, has garnered attention for his involvement in various conferences.However, the papal race is not without its contenders. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines, often dubbed the Asian Francis, and Cardinal Juan Jose Omella from Barcelona, a humble and compassionate figure, are among the notable names in the running.

Jean-Marc Aveline, the archbishop of Marseille, carries the nickname John XXIV for his resemblance to the reforming Pope John XXIII. Aveline, if elected, would not only become the first French pope since the 14th century but also the youngest pope since John Paul II.

Other candidates such as Cardinal Peter Erdo from Hungary, Cardinal Mario Grech from Malta, and Cardinal Pietro Parolin from Italy, bring their unique backgrounds and experiences to the table, each potentially shaping the future of the Catholic Church.In the midst of this diverse pool of candidates, the absence of the Kenyan vote serves as a reminder of the intricate tapestry of history being woven as Africa seeks to rewrite its place in the papal conclave.

Stay tuned as the world watches with bated breath for the white smoke to emerge from the Sistine Chapel, signaling the election of the new Pope.