State welcome awaits Pope Francis, 1M pilgrims to attend special mass

More than one million people are expected to attend the mass by Pope Francis on November 26^th at the University of Nairobi when the pope visits the country next month.

State House Spokesperson Manoah Esipisu says the Pope Francis will inspect a guard of honor and receive a 21 gun salute accorded to visiting Heads of State when he lands on November 25^th.

Addressing journalists on the visit, Esipisu said the Pope will hold talks with President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House, Nairobi on arrival day before addressing the nation from there.

The Catholic Church head is also expected to meet about 200,000 youth who have been invited to Kasarani stadium here in Nairobi on the third and last day of his visit.

The State House Spokesman said the government might declare November 26th a public holiday as the special mass will bring business in the city to a standstill.

According to Kenyan Conference of Catholic Bishops, hosting the Catholic Church head Pope Francis during his three day visit in November will require 200 million shillings.

Last week, Conference Chair Bishop Philip Anyolo said the Kenyan Catholic Church will host a dinner on November 6^th to raise funds for the papal visit.

The Catholic bishops said the Pope’s message will focus on hope, unity and reconciliation amid terror attacks and threats.

More than one million pilgrims are expected in Nairobi during the visit by Pope Francis from November 25th.

Organizers of the trip said plans are underway to distribute the faithful in several venues where they will follow the proceedings of a special mass on giant screens.

Pope Francis in his maiden visit to the African continent after ascending to the papacy chose to visit Kenya, a well-deserved honor for a country that has had its fair share of social and political challenges.

Plans for a special dress code for the over 60 catholic bishops, over 2,000 priests and close to 10,000 religious priests, brothers and sisters are already ongoing.

Pope Francis’ visit to Kenya will be the third papal visit.

Pope John Paul visited the country in 1978 and 1995.

Pope Francis will proceed to Uganda after leaving Nairobi.