Kenyan cardinal claims unjust exclusion from papal conclave
A few days ago, it was announced that 79-year-old Cardinal Njue from Kenya would not participate in the election of the new pope for health reasons. Meanwhile, the cardinal claims that he was excluded from the conclave without reason. "It's not about health," said Cardinal Njue in an interview with local media. The Vatican spokesperson has addressed the issue.
Recently in the Vatican, it was officially confirmed that two cardinals would not participate in the election of the new pope due to health reasons. One of them is 79-year-old John Njue from Kenya (he is the only cardinal from the country). Just before the conclave began, there was renewed attention on the Kenyan cardinal.
"Cardinal John Njue, whom we've heard about in the news worldwide for many days, gave an interview to a local newspaper today, in which he expressed regret about being excluded from the conclave," reported "Il Messagero".
According to the Italian newspaper, Cardinal Njue claims that he is not ill, and the reason for his absence is the fact that he was not invited to the conclave.
It is not because of health ... I don’t know ... really, it’s difficult to comment about it," said the Kenyan cardinal in an interview with "Daily Nation", while denying rumours about poor health.
The cardinal then added that he did not receive an official invitation. "Those who go there for the election are usually sent official invites, and that has not happened on my part," said Cardinal Njue.
Cardinal excluded from the conclave? Vatican denies
The issue was addressed by Archbishop Philip Anyolo of the Archdiocese of Nairobi, who presented a different version of events.
"I hereby confirm that although His Eminence is eligible to participate and was officially invited through the Apostolic Nunciature in Kenya, the Apostolic Nuncio, in concurrence with the Office of the Archbishop of Nairobi, duly communicated to the competent office of the Holy See that, owing to his current health condition, His Eminence John Cardinal Njue will be unable to travel to Rome and take part in the Conclave," states a declaration signed by Archbishop Philip Anyolo.
Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni also spoke on the matter. "Cardinal electors are admitted de iure to the Conclave, an invitation is not necessary," Bruni emphasised.
