Pope in Africa: Francis urges defence of women and the unborn at Nairobi Mass

Kenyan society must resist practices that demean women and threaten the life of the unborn, Pope Francis said in a homily this morning. 

During Mass in the pouring rain at the campus of the University of Nairobi the Pope said: “In obedience to God’s word, we are also called to resist practices which foster arrogance in men, hurt or demean women, and threaten the life of the unborn.” 

In Kenya there are concerns about domestic violence, rape and female genital mutilation. The latter is common in some communities of the 42 tribes of the country although it is increasingly being discouraged. 

The Mass featured traditional dancing and music while the Pope wore vestments inspired by Masai embroidery. They were made in Kangemi, one of Nairobi’s slums which he will visit tomorrow.

SPEAKING TO AFRICA: SPEECHES and HOMILIES - #POPEINAFRICA...

Read all of Pope Francis' speeches and homilies during his trip to Kenya, Uganda and the Central African Republic on The Tablet.

KANGEMI SLUM: The wisdom of poor neighbourhoods

NAIROBI UN: Speech at the offices of the United Nations

NAIROBI MASS: Protecting the family

In his homily the Pope praised Kenyan families saying the “health of any society depends on the health of its families.” 

He said: “For their sake, and for the good of society, our faith in God’s word calls us to support families in their mission in society, to accept children as a blessing for our world, and to defend the dignity of each mean and woman, for all of us are brothers and sisters in one human family.” 

Francis also praised the “great values of Africa’s traditions” and urged young people to work to shape a society which is eery more just, inclusive and respectful of human dignity.