Following the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV, a photo showing him shaking hands with President William Ruto has resurfaced online. The picture, taken during Ruto's visit to Rome for the burial of Pope Francis, captures the two leaders greeting each other warmly at the Vatican. This event has sparked excitement among many Kenyans on social media, who view it as a symbolic moment and a sign of Kenya's strong global connections.

Pope Leo XIV has made history as the first pontiff from the United States, leading the global community of 1.4 billion Catholics. The 69-year-old Chicago native appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica as the 267th pope, addressing thousands of people. Leo was elected after just two days of deliberation by 133 cardinals, highlighting a strong consensus among them.

In his address at St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV honored the legacy of the late Pope Francis, encouraging the faithful to maintain unity while sharing his vision for the church’s future. He emphasized the need for the church to focus on mission work, foster bridge-building, and engage in open dialogue. Speaking in Italian, he urged the faithful to act with love and compassion.

In Kenya, Pope Leo XIV’s election has been met with excitement, especially after social media users discovered the photo of President Ruto meeting him at Pope Francis’s burial. Ruto arrived in Rome on April 26 and was received by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, following a four-day state visit to China. He was seen among other dignitaries as Pope Francis’s coffin was carried to its final resting place.

The photo of President Ruto shaking hands with the then-Cardinal Prevost was unearthed shortly after Leo’s election on May 8. In the image, Ruto is wearing a black suit, white shirt, and patterned tie, while Leo is clad in the cardinal’s ceremonial cassock, a long red robe, along with a white rochet, a red mozzetta, and a zucchetto. The two leaders appeared enthusiastic about their meeting, sharing pleasant smiles.

Many social media users expressed awe and positivity regarding the photo, with some suggesting it signifies blessings for Kenya. Online reactions included sentiments like “Kenya has strong ties with the Vatican” and expressions of national pride.

In other news, President Ruto and Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen recently drew attention for wearing identical designer shirts, valued at KSh 194,000, at separate events. Murkomen wore the silk-blend shirt during an interview in Kitui, while Ruto was seen in a similar outfit at a prayer service in Migori. This coincidence sparked various online reactions, ranging from praise and satire to criticism regarding the extravagant fashion choice.