Pope Leo Excites Kenyans after Posting Message in Kiswahili: "Afrika Inatoa Ushuhuda"
Pope Leo XIV has caught the attention of Kenyans and Tanzanians after sharing a heartfelt message on X in Kiswahili.
Source: Getty Images
On Monday, May 26, the pontiff surprised many by sharing a message in Swahili. First, he posted in English, saying that Africa was a good example for the rest of the world in matters of faith.
“The continent of Africa gives great witness to the whole world. Thank you for living your faith in Jesus Christ. How important it is that every baptised person feel himself or herself called by God to be a sign of hope in the world today!”
Shortly after, Pope Leo posted a Kiswahili version of the message, writing:
“Bara la Afrika linatoa ushuhuda mkubwa kwa ulimwengu mzima. Asante kwa kuishi imani yenu katika Yesu Kristo. Ni jinsi gani ilivyo muhimu kwamba kila mbatizwa ajisikie kuitwa na Mungu kuwa ishara ya matumaini katika ulimwengu wa leo.”
The message piqued the curiosity of his followers, with some seeking help to identify the language.
However, for Tanzanians and Kenyans, the responses ranged from asking for jobs to celebrating the recognition of Kiswahili by the papacy.
Here are some of the reactions:
@KenGardner11:
“Hey @grok, what language is this?”
@MapinduziKE:
“Baba Mtakatifu, sema wantam!”
@kaji_sijo:
“Hii ni kubwa sana kwetu Wakenya. Lugha yetu inazidi kupaa.”
@ModernBoethius:
“So true, Holy Father.”
@the_Mday:
“Mkubwa, unaweza nitafutia kajinafasi ka kibarua hapo kwa Swiss Guard?”
@chaolafemefatal:
“We got a Swahili-posting pope. Blessed.”
@HalonaAssey:
“@grok je huu ni ukurasa rasmi wa Papa?”
@Cargo_1911:
“Lugha ya Wakenya hii. Papa karibu Kenya.”
@madeinmusoma:
“Asante Baba Mtakatifu kwa kututia moyo. Tutaendelea kuwa mashahidi wa matumaini katika Kristo.”
@Teendwa2024:
“Pope has been to Tanzania several times, and we taught him this.”
In Kenya, the election of Pope Leo sparked a wave of excitement, partly fuelled by online claims that President William Ruto had met him during a Vatican visit, claims that TUKO.co.ke debunked.
Ruto arrived in Rome on April 26, after a state visit to China, and was welcomed by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula.
During Pope Francis’s burial, Ruto was spotted among global dignitaries.
After Leo’s election on May 8, a photo of Ruto with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin began circulating online.
Source: Facebook
The president wore a black suit with a white shirt and patterned tie, while Parolin donned the cardinal’s traditional red cassock and a white rochet.
He also wore a red mozzetta and a zucchetto, the signature skullcap.
The pair were seen exchanging smiles and a warm handshake.
Cardinal Parolin, 70, had been considered a possible papal contender, according to international media.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
