Cardinal John Njue, born on January 1, 1946, in Embu, Kenya, served as the Metropolitan Archbishop of Nairobi from 2007 until his retirement in 2021.
He was ordained a priest by Pope Paul VI in 1973 and became the first Bishop of Embu in 1986.
Njue was elevated to cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007.
He actively participated in various church commissions and synods, including the conclave that elected Pope Francis in 2013.
Education
Njue’s education includes significant theological training.
He began his studies at Nkubu Junior Seminary in 1961, completing his secondary education there in 1966.
Njue then pursued higher education in Rome at the Pontifical Urbaniana University, earning a licentiate in philosophy in 1974, and at the Pontifical Lateran University, where he obtained a licentiate in pastoral theology.
Additionally, he completed a course in spirituality in the United States in 1982.
Pastoral career
Njue’s pastoral career spans several decades, beginning with his ordination in 1973.
He was ordained a priest on December 16, 1973, in the Archdiocese of Nairobi, where he initially served as a parish priest in Kariakomu.
During this time, Njue focused on community engagement and spiritual growth, establishing strong relationships within the parish.
In this role, Njue played a pivotal part in training future priests, emphasizing the importance of pastoral care and theological education.
In 1986, he was appointed the first Bishop of Embu, a newly established diocese.
In 2004, Njue became the Coadjutor Archbishop of Nyeri, assisting Archbishop Anthony Muheria.
During this time, he also took on the role of Apostolic Administrator for Isiolo and Murang’a dioceses, providing leadership and guidance during transitional periods.
Njue was elevated to cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI on March 24, 2007, marking a significant milestone in his career.
As Archbishop of Nairobi from 2007 to 2021, he oversaw considerable growth within the archdiocese, which included expanding parishes and enhancing social services.
Njue was particularly vocal about social justice issues, advocating for peace during times of political unrest in Kenya.
His efforts were especially notable during the post-election violence of 2007-2008 when he played a crucial role in promoting reconciliation among communities.
Retirement
Njue retired as the Archbishop of Nairobi on January 4, 2021, after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 75.
Following Church canon law, he submitted his resignation to Pope Francis in 2019, which was accepted two years later.
Despite stepping down from administrative duties, Njue expressed his intention to remain active in pastoral work, emphasizing that he was “not yet tired” of serving the Church.
He was succeeded by Rt. Rev. David Kamau, the Auxiliary Bishop of Nairobi, who became the Apostolic Administrator of the archdiocese.
Njue retains his title as cardinal and remains eligible to participate in papal conclaves until he turns 80.
Death claims
Reports claiming that Njue has died are false.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi recently confirmed that these rumors circulating on social media are not true.