# John Njue

> Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/John_Njue
> Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/John_Njue.md
> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Njue
> Source revision: 1352897814
> License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)

Kenyan cardinal

John Njue Cardinal, Archbishop Emeritus of Nairobi Njue in 2017 See Nairobi Appointed 6 October 2007 Predecessor Raphael S. Ndingi Mwana a'Nzeki Successor Philip Anyolo Other post Cardinal Priest of Preziosissimo Sangue di Nostro Signore Gesù Cristo Previous posts Bishop of Embu (1986–2002) Coadjutor Archbishop of Nyeri (2002–2007) Archbishop of Nairobi (2007–2021) Orders Ordination 6 January 1973 by Pope Paul VI Consecration 20 September 1986 by Jozef Tomko Created cardinal 24 November 2007 by Pope Benedict XVI Rank Cardinal priest Personal details Born John Njue (1946-01-01) 1 January 1946 (age 80) Embu, Colony and Protectorate of Kenya Motto In veritate testimonium, in caritate servitium ('Testimony in truth, service in charity') Coat of arms

Styles of John Njue Reference style His Eminence Spoken style Your Eminence Informal style Cardinal

Ordination history of John Njue History Priestly ordination Ordained by Pope Paul VI Date 6 January 1973 Place St. Peter's Basilica Episcopal consecration Principal consecrator Jozef Tomko Co-consecrators Bishop Silas Silvius Njiru and Bishop Raphael S. Ndingi Mwana a'Nzeki Date 20 September 1986 Cardinalate Elevated by Pope Benedict XVI Date 24 November 2007 Episcopal succession Bishops consecrated by John Njue as principal consecrator James Maria Wainaina Kungu 27 June 2009 Paul Kariuki Njiru 25 July 2009 Maurice Muhatia Makumba 27 February 2010 Dominic Kimengich 22 May 2010 Emanuel Barbara 9 July 2011 Joseph Ndembu Mbatia 24 March 2012 John Oballa Owaa 14 April 2012 Joseph Alessandro 29 September 2012

**John Njue** (born 1 January 1946) is a Kenyan [cardinal](/source/Cardinal_(Catholicism)) of the [Catholic Church](/source/Catholic_Church). He was the fourth [Archbishop of Nairobi](/source/Roman_Catholic_Archdiocese_of_Nairobi) from 2007 to 2021. He previously served as [Coadjutor Archbishop of Nyeri](/source/Roman_Catholic_Archdiocese_of_Nyeri) from 2002 to 2007 and [Bishop of Embu](/source/Roman_Catholic_Diocese_of_Embu) from 1986 to 2002. He was elevated to the rank of [cardinal](/source/Cardinal_(Catholicism)) in 2007.

## Biography

Njue was born in [Embu, Kenya](/source/Embu%2C_Kenya), on 1 January 1946[a] to Joseph Nyanga Kibariki and Monica Ngina Nyaga. He was [baptized](/source/Baptism) in 1948 and entered the [minor seminary](/source/Minor_seminary) in [Nkubu](/source/Nkubu) in 1962. From 1967 to 1974, he furthered his studies in Rome at the [Pontifical Urbaniana University](/source/Pontifical_Urbaniana_University) (where he obtained a [licentiate](/source/Licentiate_(degree)) in philosophy) and [Pontifical Lateran University](/source/Pontifical_Lateran_University) (licentiate in [pastoral theology](/source/Pastoral_theology)).

On 6 January 1973, Njue was [ordained](/source/Holy_Orders) to the priesthood by [Pope Paul VI](/source/Pope_Paul_VI) in [St. Peter's Basilica](/source/St._Peter's_Basilica). Returning to Kenya in October 1974, he did pastoral work in Kariakomu in the [southern district](/source/Meru_South_District) of [Meru](/source/Meru%2C_Kenya). He also taught philosophy at the National Seminary of Bungoma, of which he later served as [rector](/source/Rector_(ecclesiastical)) from 1978 to 1982. In 1982, he completed a course in spirituality in the United States. He then served as a [parish priest](/source/Pastor) in [Chuka](/source/Chuka%2C_Kenya) and rector of the Philosophical Seminary of Meru.

On 9 June 1986, Njue was appointed [Bishop of Embu](/source/Roman_Catholic_Diocese_of_Embu) by [Pope John Paul II](/source/Pope_John_Paul_II). He received his [episcopal consecration](/source/Bishop_(Catholicism)) on 20 September from cardinal [Jozef Tomko](/source/Jozef_Tomko), the [co-consecrators](/source/Consecrator) being Bishops Silas Silvius Njiru and Raphael Ndingi Mwana'a Nzeki. He served as President of the Kenyan [Episcopal Conference](/source/Episcopal_Conference) from 1997 to 2003 and was named [Coadjutor Archbishop of Nyeri](/source/Roman_Catholic_Archdiocese_of_Nyeri) on 23 January 2002. Following the murder of [Bishop Luigi Locati](/source/Luigi_Locati), he served as [Apostolic Administrator](/source/Apostolic_Administrator) [of Isolo](/source/Vicariate_Apostolic_of_Isiolo) from 2005 to 2006.

Njue was appointed [Archbishop of Nairobi](/source/Roman_Catholic_Archdiocese_of_Nairobi) on 6 October 2007 and was [installed](/source/Enthronement) on the following 1 November. Shortly afterwards, he was created [Cardinal-Priest](/source/Cardinal_(Catholicism)) of [Preziosissimo Sangue di Nostro Signore Gesù Cristo](/source/Preziosissimo_Sangue_di_Nostro_Signore_Ges%C3%B9_Cristo) by [Pope Benedict XVI](/source/Pope_Benedict_XVI) in the [consistory](/source/Papal_consistory) of 24 November 2007.[2] On 12 June 2008 he was named a member of the [Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples](/source/Congregation_for_the_Evangelization_of_Peoples) and the [Congregation for the Clergy](/source/Congregation_for_the_Clergy).[3] On 29 December 2011 he was appointed a member of the [Pontifical Council for Social Communications](/source/Pontifical_Council_for_Social_Communications) for a five-year renewable term.[4] Cardinal Njue serves as Vice President of the [International Catholic Migration Commission](/source/International_Catholic_Migration_Commission).

On 28 March 2013, he appealed for calm and peace during the upcoming Easter season as the [Supreme Court of Kenya](/source/Supreme_Court_of_Kenya) prepared to announce its verdict in the disputed initial round of the presidential election held on 4 March between [Uhuru Kenyatta](/source/Uhuru_Kenyatta) and Kenya's Prime Minister [Raila Odinga](/source/Raila_Odinga). Kenyatta and Deputy President-elect [William Ruto](/source/William_Ruto) were facing charges at the [International Criminal Court](/source/International_Criminal_Court) (ICC) at [The Hague](/source/The_Hague) that they instigated post-electoral violence in Kenya after the 2007 election.[5]

He was one of the [cardinal electors](/source/Cardinal_electors_in_Papal_conclave%2C_2013) who participated in the [2013 papal conclave](/source/Papal_conclave%2C_2013) that elected [Pope Francis](/source/Pope_Francis).[6]

On 30 November 2013, Njue was named a member of the [Congregation for Catholic Education](/source/Congregation_for_Catholic_Education) by [Pope Francis](/source/Pope_Francis).[7]

In June 2013, after US President [Barack Obama](/source/Barack_Obama), whose father was a Kenyan, said during an official visit to [Senegal](/source/Senegal) that African governments should follow the US example in taking action on gay rights,[8] Njue replied "Let him forget, forget and forget". He said that the United States has "ruined their own societies" and that he does not "think God was making a mistake when he created Adam and Eve".[9] A few weeks later, the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya, Archbishop [Charles Daniel Balvo](/source/Charles_Daniel_Balvo), alongside Bishop [Paul Kariuki Njiru](/source/Paul_Kariuki_Njiru) of [Embu](/source/Roman_Catholic_Diocese_of_Embu), told a Catholic assembly that "The homosexuals should be defended against violation of their dignity and human rights, they are human beings like anyone of us."[10]

In March 2014, Njue advised against participation in a free government program to vaccinate women of reproductive age against tetanus. He said that targeting women was "fishy". Other critics suggested the program was a disguised form of birth control. Government health officials said they were accustomed to such rumors from the government's critics.[11] He led the Kenyan bishops in a campaign against the WHO-sponsored vaccination program, asserting that the vaccine was designed to lower fertility.[12]

In June 2017, at a celebration of Family Day, Njue criticized men who put roadblocks in the way of marriages by making exorbitant demands for payment from the groom's family ([bride price](/source/Bride_price)).[13]

Pope Francis accepted his resignation as Archbishop of Nairobi on 4 January 2021.[14] Despite being eligible to serve as an [elector](/source/Cardinal_elector), Njue was one of two eligible cardinal electors (the other being [Antonio Cañizares Llovera](/source/Antonio_Ca%C3%B1izares_Llovera) of [Spain](/source/Spain)) who did not participate in the [2025 papal conclave](/source/2025_papal_conclave) because of health problems.[15]

## Notes

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** His exact birthdate is apparently unknown. For years Vatican sources said he was born in 1944, but in 2024 began reporting his birth date as 1 January 1946.[1]

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["Njue Card. John"](https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinali_biografie/cardinali_bio_njue_j.html). [Holy See Press Office](/source/Holy_See_Press_Office). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170904062944/http://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinali_biografie/cardinali_bio_njue_j.html) from the original on 4 September 2017. Retrieved 20 April 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["Titular Churches of the new Cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church"](https://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/2007/documents/ns_lit_doc_20071124_titoli_en.html). [Office of Papal Liturgical Celebrations](/source/Office_for_the_Liturgical_Celebrations_of_the_Supreme_Pontiff). 24 November 2007. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160728233733/https://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/2007/documents/ns_lit_doc_20071124_titoli_en.html) from the original on 28 July 2016. Retrieved 10 August 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["Papal Appointments Give Prelates Multiple Tasks"](https://web.archive.org/web/20180810210943/https://zenit.org/articles/papal-appointments-give-prelates-multiple-tasks/). *Zenit*. 12 June 2008. Archived from [the original](https://zenit.org/articles/papal-appointments-give-prelates-multiple-tasks/) on 10 August 2018. Retrieved 10 August 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["Rinunce e Nomine, 29.12.2011"](http://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2011/12/29/0775/01867.html) (Press release) (in Italian). Holy See Press Office. 29 December 2011. Retrieved 24 January 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** Cheruiyot, Walter (29 March 2013). ["Cardinal urges Kenyans to accept court verdict on election"](https://web.archive.org/web/20180125020423/http://www.catholicnews.com/services/englishnews/2013/cardinal-urges-kenyans-to-accept-court-verdict-on-election.cfm). *Catholic News Service*. Archived from [the original](http://www.catholicnews.com/services/englishnews/2013/cardinal-urges-kenyans-to-accept-court-verdict-on-election.cfm) on 25 January 2018. Retrieved 24 January 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["List of Cardinal Electors"](https://zenit.org/articles/list-of-cardinal-electors/). *Zenit*. 12 March 2013. Retrieved 10 August 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["Rinunce e Nomine, 30.11.2013"](http://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2013/11/30/0795/01791.html) (Press release) (in Italian). Holy See Press Office. 30 November 2013. Retrieved 24 January 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Obama pushes gay rights in Africa on Senegal trip"](http://www.france24.com/en/20130627-obama-urges-progress-gay-rights-democracy-trade-africa-visit-senegal/). *France24*. 27 June 2013. Retrieved 24 January 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** Olick, Felix (29 June 2013). ["Adam and Eve was no mistake, Cardinal Njue tells US President Obama"](http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/?articleID=2000087056). *Standard Digital*. Retrieved 24 January 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["Pope's envoy champions gays and lebians rights"](https://web.archive.org/web/20180810235615/https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2013/07/01/popes-envoy-champions-gays-and-lebians-rights_c795004). *The Star*. 1 July 2013. Archived from [the original](https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2013/07/01/popes-envoy-champions-gays-and-lebians-rights_c795004) on 10 August 2018. Retrieved 10 August 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** Gander, Kashmira (25 March 2014). ["Kenyan Cardinal John Njue tells congregation that tetanus vaccination programme for pregnant women 'is a bit fishy'"](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/kenyan-cardinal-john-njue-tells-congregation-that-tetanus-vaccination-programme-for-pregnant-women-9214994.html). *The Independent*. Retrieved 10 August 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** Ohlheiser, Abby (14 November 2014). ["The tense standoff between Catholic bishops and the Kenyan government over tetanus vaccines"](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2014/11/14/the-tense-standoff-between-catholic-bishops-and-the-kenyan-government-over-tetanus-vaccines/). *Washington Post*. Retrieved 10 August 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["Cardinal Njue Slams Fathers for Asking 'Unreasonable Dowry' for Daughters"](https://nairobinews.nation.co.ke/news/cardinal-njue-dowry-daughters/). *Nairobi News*. 19 June 2017. Retrieved 10 August 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["Rinunce e nomine, 04.01.2021"](https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2021/01/04/0007/00012.html) (Press release) (in Italian). Holy See Press Office. 4 January 2021. Retrieved 4 January 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** Millare, Kristina (30 April 2025). ["2 cardinal electors, from Spain and Kenya, will not attend upcoming conclave"](https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/263763/2-cardinal-electors-from-spain-and-kenya-will-not-attend-upcoming-conclave). *[Catholic News Agency](/source/Catholic_News_Agency)*. Retrieved 30 April 2025.

## External links

- ["Njue Card. John"](https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinali_biografie/cardinali_bio_njue_j.html). [Holy See Press Office](/source/Holy_See_Press_Office). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170904062944/http://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinali_biografie/cardinali_bio_njue_j.html) from the original on 4 September 2017. Retrieved 3 December 2017.

- Malacaria, Davide (November 2007). ["The mission of Christ is the mission of the Church"](http://www.30giorni.it/articoli_id_16458_l3.htm). *30Days* (Interview). Retrieved 10 August 2018.

Catholic Church titles Diocese created Bishop of Embu 9 June 1986 – 9 March 2002 Succeeded by Anthony Muheria Preceded by Raphael S. Ndingi Mwana'a Nzeki Archbishop of Nairobi 6 October 2007 – 4 January 2021 Succeeded by Philip Anyolo Titular church established Cardinal-Priest of Preziosissimo Sangue di Nostro Signore Gesù Cristo 24 November 2007 – Incumbent

v t e Cardinals created by Benedict XVI 2006 Levada Rode Vallini Urosa Savino Rosales Ricard Cañizares Llovera Cheong O'Malley Dziwisz Caffarra Zen Montezemolo Porekuu Vanhoye 2007 Sandri Foley Lajolo Cordes Comastri Ryłko Farina García-Gasco Vicente Brady Martínez i Sistach Vingt-Trois Bagnasco Sarr Gracias Robles Ortega DiNardo Scherer Njue Delly Coppa Karlic Navarrete Cortés Betti 2010 Amato Naguib Sarah Monterisi Baldelli Burke Koch Sardi Piacenza de Paolis Ravasi Mazombwe Vela Chiriboga Monsengwo Pasinya Romeo Wuerl Damasceno Assis Nycz Ranjith Marx Estepa Llaurens Sgreccia Brandmüller Bartolucci 2012 II Filoni Monteiro de Castro Abril y Castelló Vegliò Bertello Coccopalmerio Braz de Aviz O'Brien Calcagno Versaldi Alencherry Collins Duka Eijk Betori Dolan Woelki Tong Hon Mureșan Ries Grech Becker XI Harvey al-Rahi Cleemis Onaiyekan Salazar Gómez Tagle Catholic Church portal

v t e College of Cardinals List of current cardinals Cardinals of the Catholic Church under Pope Leo XIV in order of precedence Cardinal bishops Re Sandri Arinze Bertone Martins Parolin Ouellet Filoni Stella Tagle Raï Sako Cardinal priests Kitbunchu Poupard Wetter López Rodríguez Mahony Darmaatmadja Wamala Maida Puljić Sandoval Stafford De Giorgi Rouco Schönborn Rivera Pujats Sepe Kasper Bačkis Errázuriz Napier Rodríguez Cipriani Herranz Scola Okogie Zubeir Wako Rigali Antonelli Turkson Bozanić Barbarin Erdő Rodé Vallini Rosales Ricard Cañizares O'Malley Dziwisz Zen Lajolo Comastri Ryłko Farina Brady Martínez Sistach Bagnasco Sarr Gracias Robles DiNardo Scherer Njue Sarah Monterisi Burke Koch Piacenza Ravasi Romeo Wuerl Assis Nycz Ranjith Marx Brandmüller de Castro Abril Vegliò Bertello Coccopalmerio Aviz O'Brien Calcagno Versaldi Alencherry Collins Eijk Betori Dolan Woelki Tong Harvey Thottunkal Onaiyekan Salazar Baldisseri Müller Nichols Brenes Lacroix Kutwa Tempesta Bassetti Poli Yeom Ezzati Ouédraogo Quevedo Langlois Clemente Souraphiel Dew Nguyễn Suárez Bo Kovithavanij Montenegro Sturla Blázquez Lacunza Gomes Furtado Mafi Villalba Langa Nzapalainga Osoro Rocha Cupich D'Rozario Porras De Kesel Piat Aguiar Retes Ribat Tobin Zerbo Omella Arborelius Mangkhanekhoun Rosa De Donatis Coutts Marto Barreto Tsarahazana Petrocchi Maeda Ticona Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo García Ambongo Besungu Hollerich Ramazzini Zuppi López Romero Tamkevičius Kambanda Gregory Advincula Aós Lojudice Arizmendi Aveline Okpaleke Steiner Ferrão McElroy do Carmo da Silva Cantoni Poola Costa Goh Martínez Flores Marengo Jiménez Miglio Pizzaballa Brislin Rossi Rueda Ryś Mulla Cobo Rugambwa Francis Chow Bustillo Alves Aguiar Padrón Castillo Bokalic Cabrera Chomalí Kikuchi David Nemet Spengler Bessi Dogbo Vesco Mathieu Repole Reina Leo Bychok Battaglia Cardinal deacons Mamberti Zenari Farrell Simoni Ladaria Becciu Krajewski Bocos Mendonça Czerny Fitzgerald Grech Semeraro Gambetti Tomasi Cantalamessa Feroci Roche You Vérgez Ghirlanda Frezza Gugerotti Fernández Pierre Fernández Artime Marchetto Acerbi Makrickas Radcliffe Baggio Koovakad Cardinals ineligible to participate in a papal conclave in italics See also: Titular Titular church List of titular churches List of creations of cardinals Category Media Catholic Church portal

Authority control databases VIAF GND

---
Adapted from the Wikipedia article [John Njue](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Njue) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Njue?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.